MINSK, 22 February (BelTA) - The closing ceremony of the 25th Winter Olympic Games has kicked off at the ancient Verona Arena, BelTA has learned.
The closing ceremony consists of a show and an official part, during which a parade will take place featuring the flag bearers of participating countries and a procession of athletes. The organizers of the 2026 Olympics will also hand over the flag to the hosts of the next Winter Games in 2030, which will be held in the French Alps. The ceremony will conclude with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, which has been burning for 16 days in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The show program will blend art and sport. The organizers promise to showcase to the world the creativity, ingenuity, and passion that distinguish Italy, as well as to highlight the country’s sporting achievements, cultural identity, and new accomplishments. The evening’s lineup will feature Gabry Ponte, a global icon of dance and electronic music, and Achille Lauro, a contemporary pop icon.
The 25th Winter Olympic Games brought together 2,900 athletes from 94 countries, who competed in 116 medal events across 16 sports. Medalists hailed from 30 nations. Norway topped the team standings with a record-breaking 18 gold medals. Cross-country skier Johannes Høsflot Klæbo swept all six of his events, making him the most decorated athlete in Winter Olympics history.
The Italian Games also featured seven Belarusian female athletes. Speed skater Marina Zueva took 6th place in the 5000m, cracked the top 15 in the 3000m, and finished 20th in the mass start. In the aerials, Hanna Huskova landed in 8th position, while Anastasiya Andryianava placed 16th and Anna Derugo came in 17th.
Figure skater Viktoriia Safonova ranked 26th in the women’s singles event, while alpine skier Maria Shkanova took 37th place in the slalom. Cross-country skier Hanna Karaliova finished 34th in the skiathlon, 45th in the individual race, and 48th in the sprint.
Photos by Denis Kostyuchenko, NOC-BelTA
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