Winter Olympics 2026: The world’s eyes are fixed on the snow-capped peaks of Northern Italy as the 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, take center stage. This 25th edition of the Winter Games is a “New-Generation” event, blending Italy’s storied cultural heritage with cutting-edge athletic prowess. From the bustling fashion runways of Milan to the historic, jagged slopes of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Games have already begun delivering a spectacle unlike any other.
Winter Olympics 2026 the Grand Opening: “Armonia” (Harmony) Across the Alps.
The official journey began on Friday, February 6, 2026, with a breathtaking Opening Ceremony. For fans in India, it was a late-night celebration, kicking off at 12:30 AM IST (Saturday, Feb 7).
Titled “Armonia”, the ceremony achieved a historic first for the Olympic movement by featuring a dual-location setup. While the main parade of athletes energized the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, the heart of the ceremony beat simultaneously in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Global icon Mariah Carey headlined the night, while Italian legends Andrea Bocelli and Laura Pausini provided a stirring soundtrack that set the tone for the 16 days of competition to follow.
Live Streaming: Your Guide in India
If you’re catching the action from home, here is your broadcast roadmap:
- Digital Streaming: Available live and on-demand via the JioCinema app and website.
- Television: Linear coverage is broadcast on the Sports18 network (Viacom18).
Winter Olympics 2026: Snowboard Big Air: Kira Kimura’s Historic Gold
The competitive fire was most visible on Saturday night at the Livigno Snow Park. In a high-stakes finale that lived up to the hype, Japan’s Kira Kimura left his best for last to claim the Gold Medal in the Men’s Snowboard Big Air.
Kimura, 21, started strong with a score of 89.00 but faced a setback after a fall in his second run. Showing nerves of steel, he delivered a near-flawless switch backside 1980 on his final attempt, earning a staggering 90.50 points. With a combined total of 179.50, he secured Japan’s first gold of these Games.
He was joined on the podium by compatriot and reigning world champion Ryoma Kimata, who took Silver (171.50), marking a historic 1-2 finish for Japan. Defending champion Su Yiming of China claimed the Bronze (168.50), making history as the first man to win two Olympic medals in the Big Air event.
India’s Stars: Carrying the Tricolor
Despite being a tropical nation, India continues to inspire on the winter stage. This year, the country is represented by two elite athletes:
- Arif Mohammad Khan (Alpine Skiing): Returning for his second Games after a historic appearance in Beijing 2022, Arif served as India’s flag-bearer during the “Armonia” ceremony. He will focus exclusively on the Slalom event this year, aiming to break into the top tiers after his 45th-place finish in the Giant Slalom previously.
- Stanzin Lundup (Cross-Country Skiing): Hailing from the high altitudes of Ladakh, Lundup brings the endurance of the Himalayas to Italy. He is set to compete in the grueling 10km Interval Start Freestyle, representing the rising winter sports culture in India.
The Schedule: “Chess on Ice” and Beyond
While the Big Air final captured early headlines, Curling—often called “chess on ice”—actually kicked off the action on February 4. Google even joined the celebration with an interactive Doodle dedicated to the sport, allowing fans to play a mini-skiing game while learning about the host cities.
Key Upcoming Medal Dates:
| Date | Event | Significance |
| Feb 8 | Women’s Alpine Skiing Downhill | Featuring the return of legend Lindsey Vonn. |
| Feb 13 | Men’s Figure Skating | Artistic brilliance meets technical mastery. |
| Feb 16 | Men’s Slalom | Arif Mohammad Khan takes to the slopes. |
| Feb 19 | “Super Thursday” | Women’s Figure Skating & Ski Mountaineering Debut. |
| Feb 22 | Men’s Ice Hockey Gold | The final showdown at the Verona Arena. |
New Frontiers: Ski Mountaineering & Global Debuts
Milano Cortina 2026 is breaking barriers. For the first time, Ski Mountaineering (Skimo) joins the Olympic roster, bringing a high-intensity mix of uphill climbing and downhill racing.
This edition also welcomes first-time participating nations, including Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates, making this one of the most geographically diverse Winter Games in history. Contrastingly, while some nations like Tajikistan will miss out, others like Kazakhstan have arrived with a massive 36-member delegation, signaling a shift in the winter sports landscape.
Sustainability and Pop Culture
This year’s Games are not just about sports; they are about legacy. Approximately 85% of the venues are existing or temporary, honoring Italy’s commitment to sustainability.
Even pop culture found a seat at the table. Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate became a viral sensation with his “Minions”-themed routine. After a brief copyright scare over the music, Universal Studios granted a special exception, ensuring the iconic yellow-and-blue overalls would indeed hit the Olympic ice!
The Full Discipline List
Over 2,800 athletes are competing for 116 sets of medals across 16 disciplines:
- Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Cross-Country Skiing, Curling, Figure Skating, Freestyle Skiing, Ice Hockey, Luge, Nordic Combined, Short Track Speed Skating, Skeleton, Ski Jumping, Ski Mountaineering (New!), Snowboarding, and Speed Skating.
As the athletes prepare to carve their names into history, the “Spirit of the Slopes” is officially in full swing. Whether it’s the technical grace of figure skating or the raw speed of the downhill, Milano Cortina 2026 is proving that harmony and competition can live side-by-side.
Disclaimer: This information is based on various inputs from news agency.