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MONGOLIA BEGINS ITS PARTICIPATION IN THE MILANO–CORTINA 2026 WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES

2026-02-09 448

The XXV Winter Olympic Games are being held from 6 to 22 February 2026 across Milan, Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. More than 3,000 athletes from 92 countries are competing for 116 sets of medals in 16 sports. Representing Mongolia at the Games are alpine skier Mr. Ariunbat A. and cross-country skiers Mr. Achbadrakh B.and Ms. Ariuntungalag E.. This marks the first time Mongolia has earned an Olympic qualification in alpine skiing.

In Milan, the global capital of fashion, Mongolia’s team outfits were selected among those of 17 nations to be presented at a ceremonial pre-selection fashion event for the Olympic opening ceremony. Products of Mongolia’s national brand Goyol Cashmere appeared alongside outfits from world-famous companies. Incorporating national identity, culture, and design, the outfits serve as an important promotional platform, reaching millions of viewers during the opening ceremony.

As part of state policy to support the development of winter sports and participation in the Olympic Games, the Government has provided systematic assistance, preparing and funding a total of 20 athletes in skiing, short track, and biathlons. Support has included salaries, training camps, equipment, sportswear, and expenses for international competitions.

On 8 February 2026, International Master of Sports Mr. Achbadrakh B., competed in the men’s skiathlon event (10 km classical + 10 km free), racing against 75 athletes from 38 countries. He finished in 53:06.2, placing 55th and setting a historic achievement. At the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics he placed 93rd, while at the Beijing 2022 Games he finished 65th and 77th in two events. This year, by improving his previous results, he recorded Mongolia’s best Olympic placement in cross-country skiing since 1980.

For the first time, a professional ski waxing coach has been invited from Switzerland. Coach Mr. S. Marino is working closely with the Mongolian athletes, preparing skis to enhance speed, reduce physical strain, and improve performance. In addition, Dr. Ms. Tserenlham B. from the National Sports Medicine Center provides medical services, injury prevention, and primary care for the team during the Games.

Ms. Undram Chinbat, Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth of Mongolia, visited the athletes’ village in Predazzo, met with the cross-country skiers, and reviewed their training on site. The Minister attended the men’s 20 km skiathlon race in which Mr. Achbadrakh B. competed and expressed her support, wishing the athletes success in their remaining two events. The Minister was accompanied by representatives of the Embassy of Mongolia in Italy, the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, the Mongolian Ski Association, officials, and members of the media.

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