Scandal before the start of the Paralympic Games. Russians mock Poland’s decision
Polish Television has made an unusual decision to broadcast the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy. Of course, the adopted solutions were not liked primarily by the Russians.
The International Paralympic Committee has made a difficult-to-explain decision to allow the teams of Russia and Belarus to participate in the Winter Paralympic Games under the flags of both of these countries. Additionally, the anthems of these countries will be played during the medal ceremonies, which was abandoned after the attack by Putin’s troops on Ukraine in 2022. The event will take place in Italy between March 6 and 15.
Winter Paralympic Games 2026. TVP boycotts Russian athletes
Open opposition was expressed by, among others: president of the Polish Paralympic Committee Łukasz Szeliga. Some broadcasters decided not to show the Olympic opening ceremony at all. Lithuanians, Estonians, Latvians and Finns decided to take such a step. Poland has chosen an intermediate option and is going to boycott the Russians its own way.
The broadcast of the opening ceremony was shown by TVP, although the Polish national team did not appear. When Russian or Belarusian athletes appeared on the screens, the program was interrupted. Instead, a message was displayed with the following text: “SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE. TVP SPORT IS AGAINST THE PARTICIPATION OF RUSSIAN AND BELARUSSIAN COMPETITORS IN SPORTS COMPETITIONS.”
Paralympics. Russians react to TVP’s boycott
During the medal ceremonies in which the Russians will be awarded, the broadcast will be interrupted immediately after the decoration so that viewers do not hear the anthems of both countries. TVP’s decision has already received comments from Russian politicians. State Duma deputy Svetlana Zhurova tried to mock the boycott idea.
– This is so funny and stupid! After some time, Russia will be involved in everything anyway. What do Poles want to prove by exterminating Russians? What do they want to achieve? That they are Russophobic and their television is Russophobic? We understood this a long time ago, she said.
– If Russian athletes get on the podium, what will Poles do then? Will they ignore the entire ceremony? Will they cause harm to prevent our players from winning? It will be completely ridiculous and stupid, she added.
