Zambia to Compete in Paris Paralympics After Last-Minute Confirmation

Zambia is set to participate in the Paris Paralympics after resolving a last-minute travel confirmation issue that led to their omission from the opening ceremony. Despite the absence of their flag in the parade, communication from IPC confirmed their attendance. Two Zambian athletes will compete on Sept. 4 and 5.

Zambia is set to participate in the Paris Paralympics despite initially being left out of the opening ceremony due to a failure to confirm travel plans, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced on Thursday.

The Zambian flag was notably absent as athletes marched down the Champs Elysees during Wednesday's opening ceremony, attended by around 50,000 people. IPC spokesperson Craig Spence explained at a press conference, 'The Zambia flag was not included in the parade. No one has arrived yet, we've had zero communication in the last few days so we told them if you don't confirm your travelling plans and show us your tickets, we will remove the flag.'

However, Spence added that they received proof of Zambia’s travel plans on Thursday morning, confirming their participation. Two Zambian athletes are scheduled to compete in para-athletics events on September 4 and 5.

(With inputs from agencies.)