The International Olympic Committee has announced that Italy will host the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a return to Europe,… following the games in Pyeongchang in 2018,... and Beijing in 20-22.
Won Jung-hwan reports.

"Milano Cortina "

Members of the winning delegation shouted "Italia Italia " as the host of the 20-26 Winter Olympics and Paralympics was announced on Monday by IOC President Thomas Bach.
Italy's northern cities,... Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, won the right to host the 20-26 Winter Games after beating the only other contender Stockholm by 13 votes.
The last two were the only candidates left after four cities including Japan's Sapporo had dropped out of the race with concerns over the size and the cost of the event.

And in the host city Milan,… people gathered at Gae Aulenti Square erupted in celebration when they heard the Winter Olympics is returning to Italy for the first time since the 2006 Torino Games.
The citizens of Milan were full of joy,… looking forward to hosting the games in seven years' time.

"Our athletes have spoken from the heart and the heart always wins,… I am happy, I have no words."

"I was about to die,… I am doubly happy for this success. I was moved, I cried and my heart stopped, also because we will have seven wonderful years with the promotion of this beautiful land."

Located in the Po Valley, Milan has no mountains suitable for alpine sports. But the beautiful Cortina and the Alps will provide athletes with all the snow possible.
Skating sports and ice hockey will be held in Milan,... while most alpine skiing events will take place in Cortina,... a city which previously hosted the Winter Olympics back in 1956.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from 6 to 22 February and the Winter Paralympics will be held from 6 to 15 March.
Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News.