Growing Tension Ahead of the Games: Boycott of Ceremony in Milan and New Domestic Investments

The International Paralympic Committee's decision to allow Russian athletes to compete under a neutral flag has triggered a cascade of diplomatic turmoil. Poland, maintaining its consistent line of opposition to the aggression against Ukraine, announced a boycott of the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. More nations are joining the protest, putting the organizers in a difficult public relations position. Russian diplomacy, through spokesperson Maria Zakharova, reacted dismissively to these actions, suggesting that the absence of the Polish delegation would "clear the air" of the event. This situation further strains the already tense relations between Warsaw and Moscow in the realm of sports diplomacy. Sports boycotts as a tool of political pressure have a long tradition, dating back to the Moscow (1980) and Los Angeles (1984) Games, when the Eastern and Western blocs mutually ignored each other's competitions as part of Cold War rivalry. Parallel to the international controversies, the sports ministry is intensifying its domestic efforts. The announcement of a modern, year-round ice rink in Warsaw, financially supported by the ministry, is a signal of determination to professionalize winter sports. This investment is intended to be a key argument in the context of Poland's potential future bid to host the Winter Olympic Games. However, Polish sports are overshadowed by reports of internal disputes within the Polish Olympic Committee. Controversies surrounding the salary of President Radosław Piesiewicz and signals of difficulties in paying bonuses to medalists from previous Games may weaken Poland's negotiating position before the IOC authorities. „Wozduch budiet niemnogo cziszcze” (The air will be a bit cleaner.) — Maria Zakharova Media attention also remains focused on Daniil Semirunny, a Russian speed skater who decided to continue his career in Poland. His declarations about wanting to change his surname and completely cut ties with the Russian sports system provoked an angry reaction in his homeland, where he was accused of treason. The athlete emphasizes, however, that the desire to compete at the highest level and the new environment in Poland are his main driving forces. His case starkly illustrates how deep the divisions in the world of sports are due to the current geopolitical situation.