Boos and boycotts as Russian flag returns to sporting stage at Winter Paralympics

The Russian flag has returned to the global sporting stage, appearing at the Winter Paralympics for the first time in over a decade.

Boos were heard as Russian athletes followed the flag into the Milan Cortina opening ceremony - the first winter games the tricolour has appeared at since 2014 in Sochi.

The four-strong delegation waved to the crowd as they paraded at the ancient Arena di Verona in a ceremony boycotted by some nations because of their presence.

Russia was initially banned from the 2016 Summer Paralympics over a state-sponsored doping scandal, and a further ban followed its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

With the suspension now overturned, the Winter Paralympics could see the Russian national anthem played for the first time at a major international sporting event since 2022.

Russia's ally, Belarus, also made a return, with two athletes participating in the parade, having likewise been banned over the 2022 invasion.

There was applause when Ukraine was announced, but no athletes represented the country in the parade after they went ahead with a boycott.

Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland and Lithuania also joined their protest.

Iran did not appear after its only competing athlete had to withdraw from the games, having been unable to travel to Italy due to the ongoing conflict with Iran in the Middle East.

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With the games taking place in multiple locations across Italy, many athletes were unable to attend, and only 45 of the more than 600 competing represented their nations at the ceremony.

The Milan Cortina games, which mark the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics, will see athletes competing across 79 events in six sports.