Russia

Russian Paralympians Return to Hero’s Welcome

13:16 GMT, 17 March 2026
Russian winter Paralympic athletes were greeted with applause and cheers of “Bravo!” on Red Square after their standout performance in Italy.
Sputnik
The team claimed 12 medals — including eight gold — at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, finishing third overall.
It was the first time since 2014 that Russian athletes were allowed to compete under their national flag and anthem.
Stars of the games included Anastasiia Bagiian with three gold medals, while Varvara Voronchikhina and Ivan Golubkov each secured double victories.
Fans packed central Moscow as the team celebrated with an autograph session and a group photo in the heart of the capital.
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Three-time Olympic champion Anastasiia Bagiian and her leading athlete, Sergey Sinyakin, during the honoring of Russian athletes at GUM.
© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov
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Two-time Olympic champion and silver and bronze medalist at the 2026 Paralympic Games Varvara Voronchikhina during a ceremony honoring Russian athletes at GUM.
© Sputnik / Sergey Bobylev
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Two-time Olympic champion Ivan Golubkov during the ceremony honoring Russian athletes at GUM.
© Sputnik / Evgeny Biyatov
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Honoring Russian athletes at GUM. The Russian Paralympic team took third place in the medal standings, with six athletes winning 12 medals: 8 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze.
© Sputnik / Sergey Bobylev
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