The global sporting spotlight shifts to the snow-capped peaks of Northern Italy as the Winter Olympics 2026 officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, prepares for its grand opening. Spanning across multiple iconic venues from the urban flair of Milan to the alpine charm of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the Games will host the world’s finest athletes from February 6 to February 22. For fans in India, this 17-day extravaganza offers a unique blend of high-speed adrenaline and artistic precision.
Opening Ceremony: Date and India Timings
The formal commencement of the Winter Olympics 2026 is set for Friday, February 6. While the local festivities in Italy begin at 8:00 PM CET, viewers in India will need to tune in during the early hours of Saturday, February 7, at 12:30 AM IST. The ceremony is expected to be a spectacular display of Italian culture and Olympic heritage, held at the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan.
However, the competitive action actually precedes the official start. Preliminary rounds for Curling are scheduled to begin as early as February 4, allowing the Games to hit the ground running even before the Olympic flame is lit.
Key Events and Medal Rounds to Track
The schedule is packed with high-stakes finals that are sure to captivate the audience. Alpine skiing remains a centerpiece of the Winter Games, with the Men’s Downhill scheduled for February 7 at 4:00 PM IST. This event often sets the tone for the speed disciplines.
Following this, the Women’s Downhill on February 8 will be a major highlight. For fans of technical skill and grace, Figure Skating remains a top draw; the Men’s individual final is slated for February 13, while the Women’s final takes place on February 19.
The Rise of New Disciplines: Ski Mountaineering
A significant milestone for the Winter Olympics 2026 is the debut of Ski Mountaineering. Often referred to as “Skimo,” this sport challenges athletes with both uphill climbing and downhill skiing, often requiring them to carry skis on their backs during steep ascents. The first-ever Olympic gold medals for this discipline will be awarded on February 19, marking a historic shift in the Olympic program toward more endurance-based mountain sports.
India’s Representation: Athletes to Watch
India’s presence at the Winter Games continues to grow, with two athletes carrying the national flag in Italy. Arif Mohammad Khan, a seasoned alpine skier who gained prominence during the Beijing Games, has qualified once again. Joining him is Stanzin Lundup, who will represent India in Cross-Country Skiing.
| Athlete | Sport | Discipline |
| Arif Mohammad Khan | Alpine Skiing | Slalom / Giant Slalom |
| Stanzin Lundup | Cross-Country Skiing | Classical / Freestyle |
Their participation is a testament to the burgeoning winter sports culture in regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Venues and the Multi-City Format
Unlike traditional Games centered in a single city, Milano Cortina 2026 utilizes a regional approach. This “spread-out” format aims for sustainability by using existing world-class facilities.
- Milan: Hosting Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, and Short Track Speed Skating.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: The hub for Alpine Skiing, Curling, Bobsleigh, and Skeleton.
- Val di Fiemme: The destination for Nordic Combined and Cross-Country Skiing.
- Anterselva: Dedicated to the Biathlon events.
Where to Watch Winter Olympics 2026 Live in India
For fans wondering where to watch the action, Viacom18 holds the official broadcasting rights for the Indian subcontinent. Live coverage will be available on the JioCinema app and website for digital users. On television, sports enthusiasts can tune into the Sports18 channels. Given the time difference, most marquee evening events in Italy will air during the late afternoon and evening slots in India, making it accessible for prime-time viewing.
Full List of Sports at Milano Cortina 2026
The 2026 edition features 16 disciplines across eight sports categories. The inclusion of Ski Mountaineering is the only major addition since 2022. The full list includes:
- 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
- Speed Skating
Closing the Games: The Final Showdown
The competition will culminate on February 22. One of the most anticipated matches of the entire Games—the Men’s Ice Hockey Gold Medal game—will take place on the final day, followed immediately by the Closing Ceremony. This finale will officially pass the baton to the French Alps, the hosts for the 2030 edition.
As per official details released by the IOC and the organizing committee, the Winter Olympics 2026 is poised to be one of the most geographically diverse and technologically advanced Games in history.
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