2026 Winter Olympics: India's Representation and Complete Guide
The global winter sports community is buzzing with excitement as Italy prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Unlike the previous edition in Beijing 2022, India will be represented by two athletes at this prestigious event, marking a significant moment for the nation's winter sports development.
Official Schedule and Key Dates
The Milano Cortina Games officially commence on February 6, 2026, with the grand Opening Ceremony. However, several competitions have already kicked off from February 4, giving fans an early taste of Olympic action. The Games will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, representing an increase of seven events and one discipline compared to the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Complete 2026 Winter Olympics Schedule:
- Luge: February 4-12
- Alpine Skiing: February 4-18
- Curling: February 4-22
- Ski Jumping: February 5-16
- Snowboarding: February 5-18
- Ice Hockey: February 5-22
- Freestyle Skiing: February 7-21
- Figure Skating: February 6-21
- Speed Skating: February 7-21
- Ski Mountaineering: February 19-21
- Bobsled: February 12-22
- Short-track Speed Skating: February 10-20
- Skeleton Sledding: February 9-15
- Nordic Combined Skiing: February 9-19
- Biathlon: February 8-21
- Cross-country Skiing: February 7-22
Indian Athletes at Milano Cortina Games
India will be represented by two talented winter sports athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, doubling the country's participation from the previous edition. Alpine skier Arif Khan, who was India's sole representative in Beijing 2022, has qualified through the basic quota and will compete in the men's slalom event. Joining him will be cross-country skier Stanzin Lundup, making his Winter Olympics debut in the men's 10 km freestyle competition.
This increased representation reflects growing interest and development in winter sports within India, providing inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
Where to Watch in India
Indian viewers have multiple options to catch all the Winter Olympics action. Viacom18 holds the exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics in India. The events will be telecast live on Sports18 1, Sports18 1 HD, and Sports18 Khel (Hindi) channels. For digital viewers, live streaming will be available on the JioStar app and website, ensuring comprehensive coverage across platforms.
Historic Firsts and Notable Returns
The 2026 Winter Olympics marks several historic milestones. This edition will be the first Olympic Games under the International Olympic Committee presidency of Kirsty Coventry. Ski mountaineering makes its Olympic debut, adding fresh excitement to the winter sports lineup.
Ice hockey makes a full-fledged return after missing the 2018 edition and having limited participation in 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Games will also welcome debutant nations including Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the United Arab Emirates, expanding the global reach of winter sports.
Host Nation and Participation Details
Italy earned the hosting rights for the 2026 Winter Olympics when Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo were selected as host cities during the 134th IOC Session in Lausanne, Switzerland on June 24, 2019. The Games are expected to attract approximately 2,871 athletes (1,533 male and 1,338 female) from 92 countries, creating a truly global celebration of winter sports excellence.
As the world prepares for this spectacular sporting event, Indian fans can look forward to supporting their athletes while enjoying world-class winter sports competition from the comfort of their homes through comprehensive broadcast and streaming options.
