Mika Poutala told Yle his opinion on the decrease in the International Paralympic Committee.
Mika Poutalan was elected as the new Minister of Sports, Sports and Youth for Christian Democrats. Jani Korpela
The International Paralympic Committee announced over the weekend that Russian and Belarus athletes will be able to compete next winter’s paralympics under their own tickets.
– Very surprising line draw. I am disappointed, sports, sports and youth minister Mika Poutala (KD) comment To the general IPC’s decision.
The decision can indeed be surprising, as the International Olympic Committee previously reported that Russians and Belarusians will only be able to participate in the five -tire races only as neutral athletes.
Yle asked Poutala if Finland should boycott the upcoming Paralympics if Russia and Belarus could join.
– Nothing has been said about this. I have not thought that this should be brought up immediately. We are sure to watch what other countries do, Poutala replied.
Poutala is a double European silver medalist in speed skating. He was seen four times at the Olympics. In the 2018 Games, Poutala was fourth in the 500 meters, only three hundredths of the Olympic bronze medal.
The Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will be held February 6-February 22, 2026. The Paralympics are in the same place from March 6 to March 15, 2026.