The Winter Olympics kicked off in Cortina, Italy, on Thursday, with the Olympic torch carried by Indian Olympic gold medallist shooter, Abhinav Bindra.
Describing the tradition as a symbol of unity and perseverance, Bindra, who had won a gold in the 10m air rifle event in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, said he was “truly humbled” and “honoured” to be chosen to carry the torch.
“Honoured to carry the Olympic flame at @milanocortina26. A symbol of unity, perseverance, and shared human aspiration,” Bindra wrote on X along with a few pictures taken on a rainy day.
To be held at Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, the Winter Olympics will end on February 22, 2026. The edition will feature 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, an increase of seven events and one discipline from Beijing 2022.
This will be the fourth Winter Olympics to be hosted by Italy.
The games had an unsteady start in Cortina on Wednesday when the first curling matches had to be halted because of a power outage. As the lights dimmed and flickered at the historic curling stadium, officials briefly paused the matches while curlers kept sliding on the ice to stay ready.
Fans cheered when the bright lights came back shortly after and competition resumed. Venue officials said they were investigating and had no immediate word on what caused the problem.
Curling in Cortina – eight teams in mixed doubles – began two full days before the opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. American curler Korey Dropkin said he has been waiting a long time for this moment.
Also Read: Bindra named torchbearer for 2026 Winter Olympics
“Being amongst the best, it’s a very cool atmosphere to be part of,” said Dropkin, a first-time Olympian began competition Thursday. “We’re looking forward to being ready to compete and pour our hearts out on the ice.”
Fans have begun arriving in the mountain resort, excited for the first matches and all ready to clap, ring bells and chant for their countries. Some in the crowd held large flags for the Czech Republic, whose curling team was competing against Canada.
Bernard Benoit, who had travelled from Ontario, Canada, to root for his home team before going on to meet his daughter in Milan, said it’s his first time at the Olympics. He said he came a long way to see the best in the world because he loves how curling is a “mix of athleticism and intellect” and a strategy game.
Benoit is cheering for Canadian couple, Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, who are competing in mixed doubles. Three of the teams are married couples and one is a sibling team. Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill are the first ever to compete for Estonia in curling. Italian duo Stefania Constantini, who is from Cortina, and Amos Mosaner are the defending world and Olympic champions in mixed doubles.
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