IBU to debut at the Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina 2026 with 18 medal events

The International Paralympic Committee has announced the programme for the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina where for the first time the Para Biathlon competitions will be held under the IBU’s governance.

In March 2026, Para Biathlon will account for 18 medal events of the 79 total at the Milano-Cortina Paralympic Winter Games, with nine for men and nine for women ensuring full gender parity. Six gold medals will be awarded in the format of Sprint Pursuit which will make its Paralympic debut in the middle distance in Val di Fiemme where the Para Biathlon competitions will be hosted.

A maximum of 180 athletes will compete in the 18 Paralympic Biathlon competitions. The athlete quota for Para Biathlon is shared with Para Cross-Country Skiing.

The IBU took over the governance of Para Biathlon from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as of 1 July 2022. Para Biathlon is operationally managed in cooperation with the International Ski Federation (FIS) together with Para Cross-Country Skiing as part of the FIS’ general Para Snow Sport initiative. Following the approval of the medal events programme and athlete quotas for 2026, the IBU will now work together with the IPC and FIS to draft the qualification criteria which will be published in early 2024.

Para Biathlon Events (W/M)

Sprint VI

Sprint Standing

Sprint Sitting

Sprint Pursuit VI (Middle Distance)

Sprint Pursuit Standing (Middle Distance)

Sprint Pursuit Sitting (Middle Distance)

Individual VI

Individual Standing

Individual Sitting

Picture: Thomas Lovelock for IOS