The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee officially announced the participation of the Saudi team in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games “Milan-Cortina 2026”, which will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22, 2026. This step comes to enhance the Saudi presence in international Olympic events and confirms the rapid development witnessed by the sports sector in the Kingdom.
Historical background and context of participation
This participation is not the first of its kind, but rather an extension of a journey that began at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, which marked the Kingdom's historic debut in the Winter Games. At those Games, skier Faiq Abdi carried the Saudi flag as the first athlete to represent the country at this global event, paving the way for greater ambitions. These efforts fall within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, which places great importance on the sports sector as a means of empowering youth, diversifying the economy, and building bridges with the world.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
Participation in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics holds strategic importance that extends far beyond mere sporting presence. Domestically, this step aims to inspire a new generation of young Saudis to participate in sports that were previously uncommon in the region, and to contribute to building a comprehensive winter sports infrastructure. This ambition is further bolstered by mega-projects such as the Trogina project in NEOM, which will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, underscoring that the Kingdom's goal is not simply participation, but rather becoming a regional hub for these sports.
Saudi champions in Milan 2026
The Saudi Arabian team at this tournament will be comprised of elite athletes who have undergone intensive training programs. Faiq Abedi once again compete in alpine skiing, while Rakan Ali Reza on the challenge of cross-country skiing. Their participation is a result of the continued support from the wise leadership and the close attention of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who is committed to providing all necessary resources for athletes to compete at the highest international levels and develop their technical skills.
Active Saudi role in the Olympic movement
In addition to sporting participation, Saudi Arabia's active presence in international Olympic committees is noteworthy. Hussain Ali Reza, a member of the Saudi national rowing team and a member of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, participated in the preparatory meetings for the Italian Olympics. The meetings discussed the technical and administrative arrangements made by the organizing committee to ensure the best possible competitive environment for athletes, reflecting the Kingdom's growing role in global sports decision-making.
In conclusion, the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee affirmed its commitment to ensuring that this participation is honorable, reflects the Kingdom’s image and sporting values, and lays the foundation for a promising future in the global winter sports arena.
