Afghanistan was still represented at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, but not at the Paralympics
Athletes from Afghanistan will not take part in the Paralympics. The flag is already there at the opening ceremony. What is the reason?
The Taliban have taken power again in Afghanistan. This also has an impact on the Paralympics. Athletes from Afghanistan cannot take part in the competitions. Nevertheless, the country will at least be represented at the opening ceremony – with the flag that will be hoisted into the stadium in Tokyo.
The International Paralympic Committee announced a special campaign for the missing athletes from Afghanistan for tomorrow's opening ceremony: “We will bring the Afghan flag to the stadium as a sign of solidarity.” IPC President Andrew Parsons made it clear that the intention was to “make clear” the position of the Paralympic movement and to send a sign of peace.
The flag will be carried by representatives of the UN Refugee Commission. Taekwondo fighter Zakia Khudadadi and runner Hossain Rasouli should have participated in the games in Japan. Khudadadi would have been the first Afghan representative at the Paralympics.
