Sergio Mattarella, President of the Republic of Italy, declared the opening of the 25th Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the official opening ceremony held at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, in the presence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Prince Fahd bin Jarawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Italy Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, and Adwa bint Abdul, Director of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Numerous heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations and members of the Olympic movement from around the world attended, including Ru Rahman Al Arifi, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, and International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of the tournament’s official competition, with a parade of the countries participating in this Winter Olympics, as well as outstanding artistic and musical performances reflecting the historical and cultural heritage of the Italian Republic.
Saudi cross-country ski team athlete Rakan Ali Reda had the honor of hoisting the Saudi flag at the opening ceremony, a patriotic moment that exemplifies the Kingdom’s growing presence in the international Olympic forum.
Rakan Ali Reda expressed his pride and pride in hoisting the Saudi flag at this major Olympic event, stressing that this moment is an honor, a national responsibility and a dream of every athlete, and looks forward to presenting an honorable participation that reflects the development of Saudi sports and the growing presence of Saudi Arabia on the stage of the Winter Olympic Games.
It is noteworthy that the tournament will involve more than 2,900 male and female athletes representing more than 90 National Olympic Committees from around the world, competing in 16 Winter Olympic sports within a program that includes more than 100 medal sports.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports, Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, met with International Olympic Committee Vice-President Gerald Werten at his official residence in Milan in the presence of the Vice-Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
The meeting discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee under the new leadership, as well as reinvigorating Saudi Arabia’s role in supporting International Olympic Committee programs and initiatives around the world.
The President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, was joined by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Saudi Arabia The 25th Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was declared open at the official opening ceremony held at San Siro Stadium in Milan, in the presence of Prince Fahd bin Jirwi, Vice-Chairman of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee. bin Abdulaziz bin Musaid, Ambassador of the Administration of the Two Holy Mosques to Italy, Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Member of the Executive Board of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Awda bint Abdul Rahman Al Arefi, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry, International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons, and a large number of heads of state and leaders of international organizations and members of the Olympic Movement.
The opening ceremony featured unique artistic and musical performances reflecting the historical and cultural heritage of the Italian Republic, as well as a parade of the countries participating in this Winter Olympics, marking the start of the official competition of the event.
Saudi national skier Rakan Ali Rida had the honor of hoisting the kingdom’s flag at the opening ceremony, a national moment that exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the world Olympic stage.
Rakan Ali Rida expressed his pride and honor in hoisting the Saudi flag at this grand Olympic event, asserting that this moment represents the honor and responsibility of the nation and the dreams cherished by all athletes, and said he looks forward to presenting a commendable participation that reflects the development of Saudi sports and its growing presence on the Winter Olympic stage.
It is noteworthy that the event will involve more than 2,900 male and female athletes representing more than 90 National Olympic Committees from around the world, competing in 16 Olympic winter sports within a program that includes more than 100 medal events.
On a different note, Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee met with International Olympic Committee Vice-President Gerardo Vertein at his official residence in Milan in the presence of Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Vice-President.
The meeting discussed ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee under its new leadership, as well as reinvigorating the Kingdom’s role in supporting International Olympic Committee programs and initiatives around the world.
