Winter Paralympics 2022 LIVE: Opening ceremony takes place without Russian athletes

Paralympics are officially opened at the Bird’s Nest in Beijing - follow all the latest updates

Paralympics officials confirm Ukrainian Paralympians safely arrived in Beijing to compete

Latest updates from the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony as the Games begin against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

After initially ruling that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be able to compete under a neutral flag on Wednesday, the International Paralympic Committee made a dramatic U-turn on that decision yesterday. The IPC’s president, Andrew Parsons, admitted the situation in the athletes’ village had “become untenable” as several countries threatened to boycott the Games in protest. “What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games,” he said. “Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.”

Russia reacted to the announcement by claiming they would launch an emergency lawsuit with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, however, on Friday a statement confirmed that their athletes are now “planning to leave the capital of the Winter Games”. Ukraine’s delegation of athletes has arrived safely in Beijing, with committee president Valeriy Sushkevych hailing their participation as “a miracle”.

There will be 24 British athletes competing at the Games, as ParalympicsGB bid to emulate the record seven-medal haul scooped in South Ko­­­­rea four years ago.

Follow the opening ceremony live below:

Winter Paralympics 2022 opening ceremony

• Paralympics chief condemns ‘war and hate'
• Games begin in shadow of war
• Russian athletes won’t appeal ban
• Ukraine team arrive safely in Beijing

[4 March 2022 13:39 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

The last of the eight torchbearers carries the Olympic flame to the cauldron, cueing another huge fireworks display. That draws an end to the Winter Paralympics opening ceremony. The Games are officially underway!

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[4 March 2022 13:32 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

[4 March 2022 13:18 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

There’s a dance performance before the Paralympic flag is raised and the Paralympic Oath is read aloud.

In the name of all the competitors I promise that we shall take part in these Paralympic Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, committing ourselves to a sport without doping and without drugs, in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honour of our teams.

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[4 March 2022 13:12 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

Following that rousing speech, Xi Jinping declares the Games officially open and fireworks go off around the stadium.

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[4 March 2022 13:09 · Tom Kershaw]

[4 March 2022 13:01 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

Parsons continues: “The Olympic Truce was adopted at the UN General Assembly, it must be observed not broken. Athletes from 46 nations will compete with each other, not against each other. They will showcase the best of humanity.

“An opponent does not have to be an enemy. The Paralympic Movement calls on world authorities to promote peace, understanding and inclusion.”

[4 March 2022 12:59 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

IPC president Andrew Parsons makes a powerful statement at the beginning of his speech.

“I am horrified by what is taking place in the world right now. The 21st century is a time for dialogue and diplomacy, not war and hate.”

[4 March 2022 12:54 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

Xi Jinping stands and applauds as the huge delegation of 96 Chinese Paralympians and guides make their way into the Bird’s Nest.

It’s now time for the speeches.

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[4 March 2022 12:44 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

The United States are making their entrance now. The 2018 US team led the medal table four years ago, with 13 golds and 36 medals overall.

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[4 March 2022 12:32 · Tom Kershaw]

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony

And now it’s the turn of Great Britain. Alpine skiers Menna Fitzpatrick and Millie Knight aren’t in attendance as they’ll be competing in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

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