Paralympics decision

The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) has rejected a petition by 175 handicapped Russian athletes to be allowed to compete at the 2016 Paralympics under a neutral flag.

The IPC said that Russia and its athletes would be prohibited from participating until it is proven that the Russian state is no longer interfering with anti-doping efforts. Earlier this year, evidence of state collusion in doping led to the national team being banned from the Rio Paralympics.

On Wednesday, Russian tried to get the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn the ban, but that appeal was rejected.

The 2016 Paralympics take place in Rio de Janeiro from September 7 to September 18. The president of the Russian National Paralympic Committee, Vladimir Lyukin, has said his country will stage a two-day alternative paralympic competition for Russian athletes on September 7 and 8.