MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) - The flame of the XXV Winter Olympic Games has been lit in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, BelTA has learned.
For the first time in history, the opening ceremony took place across four locations: Milan, Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The performance at Milan’s San Siro Stadium was dedicated to the host country’s historical and cultural heritage and Italian identity. The Olympic flame was lit in two cauldrons: in Milan, the principal torchbearers were alpine skiers Alberto Tomba and Deborah Compagnoni, while in Cortina, alpine skier Sofia Goggia was bestowed this honor.
During the final part of the ceremony, welcoming speeches were delivered by President of the 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee Giovanni Malago, and President of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry, for whom this Olympics is the first in her role as IOC President. Italian President Sergio Mattarella declared the Games open.
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will feature 2,900 athletes from 94 countries, who will compete in 116 medal events across 16 sports. Seven Belarusian women will also compete in Italy: cross-country skier Hanna Karaliova, speed skater Maryna Zuyeva, alpine skier Maria Shkanova, figure skater Viktoriia Safonova, and freestyle skiers Hanna Huskova, Anna Derugo, and Anastasiya Andryianava.
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