The Ukrainian national team was forced to change its uniform on the eve of the start of the 2026 Paralympics – photo

The International Paralympic Committee banned the Ukrainian uniform due to “political” design

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) prohibited Ukrainian athletes from competing in uniforms with the map of Ukraine, calling it “political.” This was announced by the president of the National Paralympic Committee, Valery Sushkevich.

In an interview with Ukrinform, Valery Sushkevich noted that the IPC did not allow the use of the Ukrainian team’s ceremonial uniform during the Paralympic Games, starting on March 6 in Italy. The design of the uniform included a globalized map of Ukraine with all territories without occupation, which, according to the committee, is a political accent. The well-known Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov, who created this uniform, had previously worked on clothing for the Paralympic team.

Sushkevich emphasized that this particular uniform had a symbolic character and vividly reflected Ukraine’s presence in the world. He added that the uniform was made in a hurry to deliver it on time to Italy, where the Ukrainian team is already located, as the previous outfit was banned.

At the moment, the National Paralympic Committee of Ukraine has provided public television with images of the banned uniform. The IPC believed that it had a political context, which led to the ban.

The XIV Winter Paralympic Games will take place from March 6 to 15 in Italian Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ukraine will be represented by 35 athletes, of which 25 are direct participants and 10 are guide athletes. The issue of the uniform is all the more relevant as Ukrainian officials have already announced their refusal to go to the games in response to the decision allowing Russians and Belarusians with their national symbols.