International Paralympic Committee lifts partial suspensions of Russia and Belarus

SEOUL, South Korea -- The International Paralympic Committee has lifted the partial suspensions of Russia and Belarus. The IPC general assembly in Seoul, South Korea on Saturday first voted against a full suspension for Russia by 111 to 55, with 11 abstentions, and then voted against a partial suspension by 91-77 (with eight abstentions). It also voted against a full suspension for Belarus by 119 to 48, with nine abstentions, and against a partial suspension by 103-63 (10 abstentions). The decisions raise the possibility of a clash with each sport’s governing body ahead of the Milan-Cortina Paralympics in Italy from March 6-15 next year. The IPC said “this decision means NPC Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership, in accordance with the IPC Con