Winter Olympic 2026 Begins with Dazzling Ceremony

This year’s Winter Olympic Games officially began in Italy on Friday.

A total of 3,500 athletes from 93 countries are competing for 195 medals.

Twenty athletes from Russia and Belarus are participating individually.

Russia and Belarus have been banned from participating in any international competitions under country’s banner following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.

The highest number of participants comes from the United States with 235 athletes, followed by Canada with 211 athletes.

The Olympic Games, which will be held across 16 events, will conclude on February 22.

Following which the Winter Paralympic Games are scheduled to take place in Italy from March 6 to March 15. (Agencies)