Malaysia stipped of world paralympics after banning Israelis
New hosts asked to express interest in para swimming event by February 11
Kuala Lumpur — The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Sunday stripped Malaysia of the right to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships after the country banned Israeli athletes from participating. The championships, a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, had been scheduled for Kuching from July 29 to August 4. The IPC said a new venue will be sought for the same dates, although there might have to be some flexibility in the light of circumstances. “All World Championships must be open to all eligible athletes and nations to compete safely and free from discrimination,” said IPC president Andrew Parsons after a meeting of the IPC governing board in London. “When a host country excludes athletes from a particular nation, for political reasons, then we have absolutely no alternative but to look for a new Championships host.” Malaysia, a majority-Muslim country that does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, announced in January that it will bar Israelis f...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.