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Winter Olympics 2026 just 18 days away as global countdown begins

The Games will be hosted across multiple venues in Italy, with competitions taking place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounding alpine regions.

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With just 18 days to go, anticipation is building ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, set to bring together the world’s top winter athletes for one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar.

The Games will be hosted across multiple venues in Italy, with competitions taking place in Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounding alpine regions.

More than 2,900 athletes from over 90 countries are expected to compete across a wide range of winter sports, including alpine skiing, snowboarding, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating and biathlon.

Organisers say final preparations are entering their last phase, with venues, athlete villages and transport systems undergoing final checks. Security measures have also been tightened as host cities prepare to welcome athletes, officials and spectators from around the world.

The 2026 edition will feature 116 medal events, including several new and expanded disciplines aimed at attracting younger audiences and increasing gender balance across competitions. Officials have described the Games as a celebration of sport, sustainability and international unity.

Ariana Television Network (ATN) has confirmed it will broadcast the Winter Olympics across Afghanistan, allowing fans to follow the action live and stay connected with one of the world’s premier sporting spectacles.

ATN officials said the coverage reflects a commitment to bringing major global sporting events to Afghan audiences, offering viewers access to international competition and inspiring young people through sport.

The Winter Olympics will officially open on February 6, with the opening ceremony expected to showcase Italian culture, history and innovation, before athletes take to the ice and snow in pursuit of Olympic glory.

As the countdown continues, sports fans across the world — including in Afghanistan — are preparing to tune in to witness moments of drama, achievement and international sportsmanship on the Olympic stage.

Follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media pages for updates.

International Sports

AFC Champions League Elite delivers key results as race for knockout stage intensifies

In Tuesday’s action, Sanfrecce Hiroshima claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim, strengthening their position as the race for qualification tightens.

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The AFC Champions League Elite continued on Tuesday, February 10, with four crucial matches that further shaped the standings in Asia’s premier club competition, as teams battle for places in the knockout rounds.

The AFC Champions League Elite is the top tier of Asian club football, bringing together the continent’s strongest teams in a league-phase format before progressing to the Round of 16 and the knockout stages later in the season.

In Tuesday’s action, Sanfrecce Hiroshima claimed a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim, strengthening their position as the race for qualification tightens.

Vissel Kobe continued their impressive campaign with a composed 2–0 win against FC Seoul, reinforcing their push near the top of the standings.

Elsewhere, Buriram United picked up a vital 1–0 away victory over Chengdu Rongcheng, a result that keeps the Thai side firmly in contention for a place in the Round of 16.

Machida Zelvia also enjoyed a successful night on the road, defeating Shanghai Shenhua 2–0 to boost their hopes of progressing from the league phase.

The competition continues on Wednesday with more decisive fixtures on the schedule. Gangwon FC face Shanghai Port in a clash where both sides will be looking to secure valuable points, while Ulsan HD FC host Melbourne City FC in a high-profile encounter with major implications for the standings.

All AFC Champions League Elite matches are being broadcast exclusively in Afghanistan on Ariana Television. Fans are encouraged to follow official social media pages for the latest match schedules, updates, and highlights as the tournament moves closer to the knockout stages.

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International Sports

Winter Olympics: Milan action continues with packed schedule on Tuesday

Tuesday’s schedule meanwhile also features a full slate of events, including short-track speed skating finals, cross-country skiing sprints, figure skating competitions and additional freestyle and alpine skiing action.

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Competition continued across multiple venues at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday, with medals decided in speed skating, snowboarding and curling as the Games gathered momentum.

Monday’s highlights included high-stakes finals on the ice and snow, as athletes from Europe and Asia featured prominently in speed skating and snowboard events, while curling teams completed round-robin play to determine semifinal match-ups. Several nations strengthened their early medal positions as crowds filled venues in Milan and the surrounding alpine regions.

Tuesday’s schedule meanwhile also features a full slate of events, including short-track speed skating finals, cross-country skiing sprints, figure skating competitions and additional freestyle and alpine skiing action.

Curling medal matches and women’s ice hockey games are also set to take place as the Olympic programme intensifies.

Organisers said competition would continue throughout the day across multiple sites, with several medal events expected to draw strong international interest.

In Afghanistan, Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) holds exclusive broadcast rights to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Fans are also encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s official social media platforms for updated daily schedules, results and coverage from the Games.

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International Sports

IPL 2026: Franchise sales gather pace as global investors circle teams

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been put on the market by its current owner and is estimated to be worth up to $2 billion.

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Developments off the field are drawing growing attention ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with two franchises — Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals — formally up for sale and attracting interest from high-profile domestic and international investors.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), one of the league’s most recognisable teams, has been put on the market by its current owner, Diageo’s United Spirits Ltd, following a strategic review. The sale process is expected to be completed by the end of March 2026. Market estimates suggest the franchise could be valued at around $2 billion, reflecting the soaring commercial value of the IPL.

Several bidders have been shortlisted for RCB, including investment groups led by Indian industrialists, private equity firms and overseas sports owners. Among those reported to have shown interest is a consortium linked to the Glazer family, co-owners of English Premier League club Manchester United. Non-binding bids have already been submitted, with binding offers expected in the coming weeks.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), winners of the inaugural IPL title in 2008, are also in the process of being sold. A shortlist of potential buyers has been finalised, featuring a mix of Indian and international investors, including private equity firms, entrepreneurs and media-linked groups. The franchise is expected to attract a valuation of more than $1 billion, according to market estimates.

Final bids for Rajasthan Royals are anticipated in early March, while the RCB transaction is expected to move into its final phase later this month. Any change in ownership will require approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The potential sales mark one of the most significant ownership shake-ups in IPL history and underline the league’s growing appeal as a global sports investment as preparations continue for the 2026 season.

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