“Sport Connects People, It Doesn’t Divide Them”: World Para Athletics President Paul Fitzgerald on Russia’s Return, Global Conflicts and India’s Role

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New Delhi, March 10: As the global para athletics community gathered in the Indian capital for the New Delhi World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2026, starting Wednesay (March 11) at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, discussions extended beyond competition to larger issues shaping the future of the sport - from geopolitics and athlete participation to accessibility and global expansion.

In an exclusive interaction with myKhel, World Para Athletics (WPA) President Paul Fitzgerald shared his views on the return of Russian athletes to international competition, the challenges posed by ongoing global conflicts, and the growing role of India in the para sport ecosystem.

Fitzgerald emphasised that while political debates often intersect with sport, the fundamental mission of para athletics remains creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete on the world stage. He also addressed questions about whether countries involved in other conflicts could face sporting bans, the impact of Middle East tensions on athlete travel, and why India has become an increasingly important hub for international para athletics events.

With more international competitions being hosted in India and para sport gaining visibility across the world, Fitzgerald emphasised that the primary mission of the sport's governing bodies remains creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete and succeed.

Russia and Belarus Reinstated in the Paralympic Movement

One of the biggest talking points in international sport recently has been the decision to allow Russia and Belarus to return as full members of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) after years of restrictions. The move means athletes from the two countries can once again compete under their national flags in international competitions.

According to Fitzgerald, the decision was taken through a democratic vote by the IPC membership. "The International Paralympic Committee held a vote. It was a democratic vote where all members came together and decided to allow Russia and Belarus to become full members again," Fitzgerald told myKhel. "That means they can compete under their own flag."

The decision has sparked protests in some quarters, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions, but Fitzgerald maintained that the focus of para sport must remain on athletes and opportunity. "We are in the business of opportunity," he said.

"The athletes who come to compete are showing their families, communities and countries what is possible for people with disabilities when they are given an opportunity to participate in sport."

The Importance of Competing Under a National Flag

For many athletes, representing their country carries immense emotional value, and Fitzgerald acknowledged that competing under one's national flag can be a powerful motivation.

"That flag does make a difference to athletes," the Canadian sports administrator said. However, he stressed that athletes themselves are best placed to describe what that moment means to them.

"It is their effort and their emotion that brings them here. Athletes work every day to reach the level required to compete internationally."

He added that the ultimate aim for athletes everywhere is to test themselves against the strongest competition. "Athletes want to measure themselves against the best in the world, no matter where they are from."

'Sport Should Unite, Not Divide'

Despite the political debates surrounding athlete participation, Fitzgerald believes sport has a unique ability to bring people together. "Sport connects people. It doesn't divide them," he said.

"The ability to come together, compete under the same rules and conditions and see who performs best on the day is an amazing thing."

While acknowledging that politics and sport sometimes intersect, he said the global sporting community ultimately hopes that athletes can focus on competition rather than conflict.

On Ukraine and Global Conflicts

Asked whether the participation of Russian athletes might affect Ukrainian athletes or others impacted by geopolitical tensions, Fitzgerald who has been in his WPA role since 2022, said such views must come from the athletes themselves. "That is a question for Ukraine and its athletes," he said.

"Everyone has their own opinions about conflicts happening around the world. But our role is to give athletes the opportunity to compete and achieve."

On Calls to Ban Other Countries Over Conflicts

Fitzgerald was also asked whether countries involved in other global conflicts - including the United States or Israel - could face sporting bans similar to Russia's previous suspension.

He made it clear that such decisions are not taken by individuals but by the International Paralympic Committee membership through formal democratic procedures.

"That is a decision for the International Paralympic Committee and its members," he explained. "At any given time, there could be reasons why a country's membership status might change, but those decisions are made collectively at General Assemblies."

Fitzgerald reiterated that his role as president of World Para Athletics is focused on organising competitions and supporting athletes rather than making political judgments. "These are democratic decisions made by the membership of the International Paralympic Committee."

Middle East Conflict Impacting Athlete Travel

Global tensions have also created logistical challenges for international sporting events, particularly when it comes to travel. Fitzgerald acknowledged that disruptions caused by conflicts - including those in the Middle East - can affect the ability of athletes to reach competitions.

"If you look at airports around the world with delays and cancellations of flights, of course this can affect travel," he said.

Organising international para sport competitions often involves additional logistical considerations. "It's complex to bring anyone internationally for an event, but for para sport there are additional complications with accessibility and transporting specialised equipment."

Despite these challenges, Fitzgerald praised the preparations made in New Delhi to ensure the event runs smoothly. "We worked really hard here to prepare the airport, transport, the stadium and accommodations."

He added that organisers focus on ensuring opportunities for those athletes who are able to travel and compete. "We make the best out of the situation that we have and move forward, giving opportunities to those who were able to make it here."

The Role of Grand Prix Events

The World Para Athletics Grand Prix series is designed to provide competitive opportunities for athletes outside major championships such as the Paralympics and World Championships.

Fitzgerald explained that the goal is to make competitions accessible by spreading events across different regions of the world. "We want Grand Prix events in Asia, the Americas, Africa and Europe so athletes have competitions closer to home," he said.

If athletes are forced to travel long distances for every event, participation becomes more difficult due to financial constraints. "Nations will make decisions based on their budgets. Our job is to create opportunities for athletes to compete."

India Emerging as a Major Hub for Para Athletics

India has rapidly become an important destination for international para athletics competitions in recent years.

Fitzgerald confirmed that World Para Athletics has an agreement with the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) to host events in New Delhi throughout the current Paralympic cycle.

"We have a contract with PCI through 2028," he revealed. "That means we will host events here this year, in 2027 and again in 2028."

The move will allow athletes from India and across Asia to compete in international competitions without travelling long distances. "It's a fantastic opportunity for local athletes to compete on home soil and qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games."

Additional Challenges Faced by Para Athletes

While elite sport is demanding for all competitors, Fitzgerald pointed out that para athletes often face additional barriers. "Para sport requires more resources," he said.

This includes specialised equipment, accessible transport, adapted accommodation and sometimes additional personnel such as guides for visually impaired athletes. "These are additional costs on top of the normal challenges that athletes face."

Because of these factors, Fitzgerald emphasised the importance of government support, sponsorship and media visibility in growing para sport worldwide.

A Strong Case for Investing in Para Sport

Fitzgerald also highlighted the scale of opportunity in para athletics. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, athletics featured 48 medal events, while para athletics at the Paralympics had 164 medal events.

This creates significant opportunities for countries that invest in para sport development. "The return on investment in para sport is very strong," Fitzgerald said. "And that return is not just in medals. It also improves accessibility and inclusion in society."

With India continuing to host major international events and para athletics gaining momentum globally, Fitzgerald believes the future of the sport is promising.

For him, the ultimate goal remains simple - ensuring that athletes with disabilities are given the opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities.

"Our role is to create opportunities," he said. "And when athletes are given that opportunity, they can show the world what is possible."