More on Russia and Belarus Paralympics ban

Athletes from Russia and Belarus have both been banned from competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics

Some more details now on that athletes from Russia and Belarus have both been banned from competing in the 2022 Winter Paralympics in Beijing, due to start tomorrow.

Qazet.az reports that statement on Thursday from the International Paralympic Committee said the "situation in the athlete villages is escalating and ensuring the safety of athletes has become untenable".

The initial IPC decision to allow 71 Russians and 12 Belarusians to compete as neutrals drew heavy criticism.

"We are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix," IPC president Andrew Parsons said in a statement today.

"However, by no fault of its own the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes many governments are having an influence on our cherished event."