The new announcement was a reversal of the International Paralympic Committee's decision on Wednesday to allow athletes from both countries to compete as neutrals.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday banned athletes from Russia and Belarus from competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics, following an international backlash against its decision to let them compete under neutral affiliations.
The IPC's decision, announced in Beijing, comes just a day before the Games' opening ceremony on Friday, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Belarus' support for Moscow's actions in the eastern European country.
On Wednesday, the IPC said that Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate under the Paralympic flag. According to the decision, athletes could participate by removing the colours, flags and other national symbols.
However, after criticism of the decision and threats of boycott, the IPC reversed it on Thursday.
“Making our decision yesterday, we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic movement. "We are very proud of the principles and values that have made this movement what it is today," IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement early Thursday.
The IPC's decision, announced in Beijing, comes just a day before the Games' opening ceremony on Friday, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and Belarus' support for Moscow's actions in the eastern European country.
On Wednesday, the IPC said that Russian and Belarusian athletes can participate under the Paralympic flag. According to the decision, athletes could participate by removing the colours, flags and other national symbols.
However, after criticism of the decision and threats of boycott, the IPC reversed it on Thursday.
“Making our decision yesterday, we were looking at the long-term health and survival of the Paralympic movement. "We are very proud of the principles and values that have made this movement what it is today," IPC President Andrew Parsons said in a statement early Thursday.
“However, what is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position that is nearing the start of the Games. Yesterday we said that we will continue to listen and that is what we are doing. "
Parsons referred to boycotts by athletes from other countries if Russian and Belarus participants were allowed to participate in the Games. Parsons said the situation in Athlete Villages could be untenable.
"Ensuring the safety and security of the athletes is of paramount importance to us and the situation in Athlete Villages is escalating and now becoming untenable," Parsons said. Athletes' health risks are managed and fundamental ethical principles are upheld".
“Over the last 12 hours, a large number of members have been in touch with us and have been very open, for which I am grateful. They have told us that if we do not reconsider our decision, it is likely to have dire consequences for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games now,” he said.
China, which is the host country and declined to condemn Russia or call Moscow's actions in Ukraine an "aggression", has yet to react to the IPC's decision.