Russia banned from Paralympics in Rio

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on August 23 dismissed an appeal by the Russian Paralympic Committee against its suspension by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The IPC suspended the Russian Paralympic Committee on August 7 due to its inability to fulfill its IPC membership responsibilities and obligations, in particular its obligation to comply with the IPC Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code.

The IPC President Philip Craven said: “Today’s decision underlines our strong belief that doping has absolutely no place in Paralympic sport, and further improves our ability to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all Para athletes around the world".

“Although we are pleased with the decision, it is not a day for celebration and we have enormous sympathy for the Russian athletes who will now miss out on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. It is a sad day for the Paralympic movement, but we hope also a new beginning," he added.