Winter Olympics 2026: All You Need to Know
The event is organized under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and aims to promote sportsmanship, global unity, and cultural exchange.
By : Sandeep Erukala
Update: 2026-02-05 13:51 GMT
The Winter Olympics 2026, officially known as the 25th Winter Olympic Games, is one of the most awaited international sporting events. The Games are popularly called Milano Cortina 2026 and will bring together athletes from across the world to compete in snow and ice sports. The event is organized under the supervision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and aims to promote sportsmanship, global unity, and cultural exchange.
Winter Olympics 2026 Host Country
Italy is hosting the Winter Olympics 2026, marking the country’s fourth time hosting the Olympic Games. The event will take place in the northern Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, both famous winter sports destinations. The Games aim to showcase Italy’s sports infrastructure, tourism, and cultural heritage on a global platform.
Olympics Logo and Motto
The official logo of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics represents modern design, creativity, and unity between the host cities Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. It reflects innovation and Italy’s rich artistic culture. The official motto of the Games is “IT’s Your Vibe.” The word “IT” highlights Italy as the host nation and encourages people worldwide to connect with the Olympic spirit and celebrate sports together.
About Winter Olympics 2026
The Winter Olympics 2026 will be hosted in northern Italy. The Games will be jointly hosted by two famous winter sports destinations – Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Italy has previously hosted the Olympics three times:
Winter Olympics 1956 – Cortina d’Ampezzo
Summer Olympics 1960 – Rome
Winter Olympics 2006 – Turin
The Winter Olympics 2026 Games will be Italy’s fourth Olympic hosting event. Around 2,900 athletes from nearly 90 countries are expected to participate. The Games will include 116 medal events across 16 winter sports disciplines.
A major highlight of the Winter Olympics 2026 Games is the inclusion of a new sport called Ski Mountaineering (Skimo). This sport involves athletes climbing and skiing down mountainous terrains using specialized equipment and techniques.
The official mascot of the Games is Tina, a white stoat symbolizing agility and adaptability in snowy conditions. Another branding element includes “The Flo,” characters inspired by the snowdrop flower, representing hope and resilience.
Olympics History
The Olympic Games have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They began as a religious and cultural festival in ancient Greece and later evolved into one of the largest international sporting events in the modern world. The journey of the Olympics reflects the development of sports, international cooperation, and global unity.
Ancient Olympic Games
The Ancient Olympic Games started in 776 BCE in Olympia, Greece. These games were organized to honour Zeus, the king of Greek gods. The event was not just a sports competition but also a religious and cultural festival.
Features of Ancient Olympics
Held every four years, a period known as an Olympiad.
Only free Greek men were allowed to participate.
Women were not allowed to compete or watch the Games.
Athletes competed without modern equipment and often performed naked, which symbolized strength and equality.
Major sports included running, wrestling, boxing, chariot racing, discus throw, javelin throw, and pentathlon.
Decline of Ancient Olympics
The Ancient Olympic Games continued for nearly 12 centuries but were abolished in 393 CE by Roman Emperor Theodosius I. He banned the Games because they were linked to pagan religious practices.
Modern Olympics
The Modern Olympic Games were revived by Baron Pierre de Coubertin in the late 19th century.
The first Modern Olympics were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece.
Around 241 athletes from 14 countries participated in the first modern Games.
The Olympics are now organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), established in 1894.
Women were first allowed to participate in the 1900 Paris Olympics.
The Winter Olympic Games were introduced in 1924 in Chamonix, France.
The Paralympic Games began in 1960 to promote sports for athletes with disabilities.
The Youth Olympic Games started in 2010 to encourage young athletes.
The Olympics were cancelled during World War I (1916) and World War II (1940 and 1944).
The Games are now divided into Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics, held every four years.
The Olympic symbol includes five interlocking rings, representing unity among continents.
Modern Olympics promote values such as excellence, friendship, peace, and global unity.
About International Olympics Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the main governing body of the Olympic Games.
It was established in 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin.
The headquarters of the IOC is located in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The IOC organizes and supervises both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
It selects and approves host cities for the Olympic Games.
The IOC promotes Olympic values such as excellence, friendship, and respect.
It ensures fair competition and maintains rules and regulations for Olympic sports.
The IOC works with National Olympic Committees and international sports federations.
It supports athlete development and encourages global participation in sports.
The IOC also promotes peace, cultural exchange, and international cooperation through sports.
India’s Presence in Winter Olympics 2026
India’s participation in the Winter Olympics 2026 is expected to be limited but significant, showing the country’s gradual progress in winter sports. Arif Khan, India’s top alpine skier, has qualified in the Slalom event and is likely to represent the country at the Games. Additionally, Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, has been selected as a torchbearer, highlighting India’s growing role in the global Olympic movement.