Russian Paralympic Membership May be Reinstated Before 2018 Winter Games - IPC

The membership of the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) could be reinstated prior to the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in South Korea if Russia meets the reinstatement criteria in full by that time, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said Monday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The IPC Governing Board turned down on Sunday a request from the RPC to allow Russian athletes into qualification events for the Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games while it remains suspended.

"The IPC’s decision does not necessarily close the door on possible Russian participation at next year’s Games however," the IPC said in a statement posted on its website.

"Should the RPC continue to co-operate fully with the IPC Taskforce and meet the reinstatement criteria in full before Pyeongchang 2018 then the IPC Governing Board will lift its suspension," the statement said.