The official opening ceremony of the 25th Winter Olympic Games Milan–Cortina 2026 took place at the legendary San Siro Stadium in Milan, QazMonitor reports.
The ceremony was held under the title Armonia, which means “harmony” in Italian.
World-renowned performers took part in the event, including Mariah Carey, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini, actor and producer Pierfrancesco Favino, actress Sabrina Impacciatore, Italian rapper Ghali, and internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang.
The opening ceremony was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
One of the segments of the ceremony was dedicated to the late legendary Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani, who for many years designed apparel for Italy’s Olympic team.
During the parade of nations, the flag of Kazakhstan was carried by Denis Nikisha (short track speed skating) and Ayaulym Amrenova (freestyle moguls).
The ceremony was held simultaneously at four locations: Denis Nikisha was in Milan, while Ayaulym Amrenova took part from Livigno, where cross-country skiing events will be held.
In 2026, the Olympic flame was lit in two locations for the first time in the history of the Winter Games – at the Triumphal Arch in Milan and at Piazza Di Bona in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
At the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, Kazakhstan is represented by 36 athletes – 18 men and 18 women – competing in 10 disciplines. Overall, about 3,000 athletes from 93 countries are taking part in the Games, competing for 116 sets of medals across 16 sports.
Athletes from Benin, Guinea-Bissau, and the UAE are competing at the Winter Olympics for the first time.
As tradition dictates, Greece’s athletes entered first, followed by all national teams passing through the Olympic rings.
The Winter Olympic Games will conclude on February 22. All events involving Kazakh athletes are broadcast live on Qazaqstan, Qazsport, Khabar, and Jibek Joly TV channels.
The ceremony was produced by Balich Wonder Studio. The creators said the opening concept was designed around a new and inclusive format, aimed at bringing together both spectators and participants of the Games.