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Sports

2026 Winter Olympics: When the World Meets the Snow in Milano Cortina

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The story of the 2026 Winter Olympics begins in Italy, a country where sport, culture, history, and passion naturally intertwine. From 6 to 22 February 2026, the world will gather for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially known as Milano Cortina 2026, marking Italy’s return as a Winter Olympics host after the iconic Turin Games of 2006. This edition is unique not just for its scale, but for how it reimagines the Olympics across regions, generations, and landscapes.

Unlike traditional single-city hosts, Milano Cortina 2026 stretches across northern Italy, connecting the fashion capital Milan with the breathtaking alpine destinations of Cortina d’Ampezzo, Bormio, Livigno, Predazzo, Tesero, Anterselva, and Verona. This multi-venue model allows historic locations to shine while reducing the need for new construction, making sustainability a central pillar of the Games. Existing arenas, refurbished infrastructure, and temporary installations will host competitions, ensuring the Olympics leave a meaningful legacy without burdening the environment.

Athletes from over 90 nations are expected to compete across 16 disciplines and more than 100 medal events, covering classic winter sports like alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, ski jumping, and bobsleigh. The Games will also continue the modern Olympic push toward youth engagement, innovation, and gender equality, with balanced participation and evolving formats that keep winter sports exciting and accessible.

Milan will serve as the heartbeat of the Games, hosting the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro Stadium, a first for a Winter Olympics. The city will also host ice sports such as figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey, blending elite athletic performance with a vibrant urban atmosphere. Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites,” will once again take center stage for alpine skiing, returning to Olympic glory 70 years after hosting the 1956 Winter Games. The Closing Ceremony will be held in Verona’s historic Arena, creating a poetic finale where ancient architecture meets modern sporting excellence.

Sustainability is not just a buzzword for Milano Cortina 2026 but a guiding principle. Organisers have committed to carbon-neutral operations, renewable energy use, eco-friendly transport, and responsible tourism practices. The Games aim to set a benchmark for future Olympic events by showing that global celebrations and environmental responsibility can coexist.

For fans, the 2026 Winter Olympics promise unforgettable moments — dramatic downhill races, razor-thin finishes on ice, emotional podium ceremonies, and stories of resilience that go far beyond medals. For athletes, it represents years of sacrifice condensed into seconds of performance. For viewers around the world, it’s an invitation to reconnect with the magic of winter sports, whether you’re watching from a snowy mountain town or a warm living room thousands of miles away.

As the Olympic flame prepares to light up Italy once again, Milano Cortina 2026 stands as a reminder of why the Olympics matter. It’s not just about who wins or loses, but about shared emotions, cultural exchange, and the powerful idea that the world can come together — even in the coldest of winters — to celebrate human potential. ❄️🏅

Social

Jeet Adani Marks First Anniversary by Funding FDs for 500 Divyang Women

Tanisha Cardozo

Jeet and Diva Adani marked their first wedding anniversary by completing one year of Adani Mangal Seva, a social security initiative designed to support divyang women with long-term financial stability and dignity. The milestone was observed at the Belvedere Club lawns in Shantigram, Ahmedabad, where beneficiaries, their families, and representatives of the Adani Foundation gathered to reflect on the programme’s progress.

Launched ahead of the couple’s wedding on February 7, 2025, Adani Mangal Seva was envisioned as a way to transform a personal celebration into a sustained social commitment. Instead of marking the occasion with symbolic gestures, the initiative was structured to deliver tangible, long-term benefits to women with disabilities.

In its first year, the programme supported 500 divyang women, each receiving a fixed deposit of ₹10 lakh. Created in partnership with the State Bank of India, these deposits are designed to provide an assured monthly income, while the principal amount becomes accessible after ten years. The structure aims to ensure both immediate support and long-term financial security.

Anchored by the Adani Foundation, the social welfare arm of the Adani Group, the initiative focuses on women between the ages of 25 and 40. Beneficiaries are identified in collaboration with project partner Youth for Jobs and must hold a valid Unique Disability ID card. The programme is set to continue for at least five years, supporting up to 500 women annually, with an allocation of ₹50 crore each year.

According to the Foundation, the initiative reflects the philosophy of Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani, who believes that service should be continuous, purposeful, and responsibility-driven rather than symbolic.

The anniversary event included the distribution of fixed deposit certificates to beneficiaries, along with cultural performances by the Blind People’s Association of Ahmedabad. The programme featured a Garba presentation and a fusion music performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion. The evening began with prayer and reflection, followed by presentations outlining the initiative’s objectives and impact.

In a message on social media platform X, Gautam Adani extended his blessings to the couple and reflected on the impact of the initiative. He noted that Adani Mangal Seva has brought financial security, dignity, and renewed hope to many families, adding that the satisfaction of restoring confidence and smiles in people’s lives goes beyond material success.

Dr Priti Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the belief that personal happiness finds its highest meaning when shared for collective well-being. She described Adani Mangal Seva as more than a programme, calling it an expression of faith in the strength, resilience, and dignity of women with disabilities.

Addressing the gathering, Jeet Adani described the initiative as a quiet but enduring form of support, representing a responsibility the family intends to carry forward. Diva Adani added that the programme is built on the belief that financial security should be lasting and dignity should never depend on circumstances.

During the event, Gautam Adani also released a book documenting stories of transformation under Adani Mangal Seva. The evening concluded with a community dinner, reflecting the inclusive spirit at the heart of the initiative.

As Adani Mangal Seva completes its first year, it stands as an example of how personal milestones can be transformed into sustained social commitments, reinforcing the Adani Foundation’s belief that prosperity and service go hand in hand.

Social

Empowering Youth: JCI Panaji Hosts ‘Love Beyond Romance’ Session in Mapusa School

Tanisha Cardozo

Purshottam Walawalkar Higher Secondary School in Mapusa witnessed a unique and transformative experience on 5th February 2026, as JCI Panaji conducted a special session under its ‘Empowering Youth’ initiative.

The session, titled “Love Beyond Romance,” was led by JCI National Author and Trainer Karuna Rajan Satardekar. Instead of the usual Valentine-themed conversations around romance, the session offered students a deeper and more meaningful understanding of love as a universal value.

Karuna Satardekar encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and see love as compassion, respect, and care for the people around them. She explained that love is not limited to relationships but is reflected in how individuals treat society, friends, family, and those who need support.

One of the most touching moments of the session was a video about a 40-year-old individual with autism. The story highlighted the importance of empathy, patience, and inclusion. Students learned that love also means understanding and supporting those with special needs, a message that resonated deeply with the audience.

The session also focused on practical aspects of everyday behaviour. Through interactive discussions, Karuna Satardekar guided students on social etiquette, communication skills, and the importance of good manners. She explained how respectful communication and thoughtful actions can create a more compassionate and harmonious community.

Another key theme was leadership. Students were encouraged to develop leadership qualities rooted in empathy and inclusion. The message was clear: a true leader ensures that no one is left behind and carries every section of society forward with dignity and respect.

The connection between the speaker and the students was evident throughout the session. Faculty members described it as a “one-of-a-kind” experience, noting how strongly the message resonated with the young audience.

The initiative by JCI Panaji once again demonstrated the importance of life-skills education and value-based learning. By introducing such meaningful conversations in schools, the organisation continues to inspire the next generation to lead with empathy, respect, and responsibility.

Sports

Asian Legend Cup 2026: India Clinch Title with Five-Wicket Win Over Bangladesh

Tanisha Cardozo

India Legends capped off a dominant campaign by lifting the Asian Legend Cup 2026 after registering a convincing five-wicket victory over Bangladesh Legends in the final at the BCA Ground in Thailand.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh Legends struggled to gain momentum against disciplined Indian bowling and were restricted to 123 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Najmuj Sadat top-scored with a measured 22, while Sadiqur Rahman chipped in with 21. Intyiaj Hossain’s brief knock of 21 showed promise, but regular wickets prevented Bangladesh from building any substantial partnerships.

India’s bowlers kept things tight from the outset. Kapil Rana and Kalim Khan were the standout performers, claiming two wickets each to dent Bangladesh’s top and middle order. Amardeep Sonkar impressed with an economical spell, conceding just six runs in three overs and picking up a wicket, while Goa’s Madar Basappa also chipped in with a crucial breakthrough. Sharp fielding further aided India’s cause, resulting in two run-outs.

Chasing a modest target of 124, India Legends endured an early wobble as Bhanu Seth, Narendra Meena and Kalim Khan departed cheaply. Former Bangladeshi international star Alok Kapali produced a spirited spell for Bangladesh, picking up four wickets and briefly tilting the contest in his side’s favour.

However, Deepak anchored the chase with a calm yet authoritative innings. Displaying excellent game awareness, he rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 74. Skipper Jatin Saxena provided valuable support with an unflustered 21 not out, as the duo stitched together a decisive unbeaten partnership to steer India home in 18.4 overs.

Despite Bangladesh’s efforts with the ball, including Kapali’s four-wicket haul, the lack of runs on the board ultimately proved costly. India crossed the line comfortably, sparking celebrations in the camp and sealing the Asian Legend Cup 2026 title in style.

Sports

“Racing at Home Makes It Personal”: John Abraham Leads Goa Aces JA Racing on Goa’s Streets

Tanisha Cardozo

As the streets of Goa prepare to transform into a high-intensity racing arena for the Indian Racing Festival on February 14 and 15, 2026, team owner John Abraham says racing on home streets turns motorsport into something deeply personal, rooted in pride, responsibility and community. As the owner of Goa Aces JA Racing, Abraham believes a street race in Goa carries a very different emotional weight compared to competing on permanent circuits.

“A street race in Goa changes the emotion and responsibility completely,” Abraham says. “This isn’t just about points or podiums. We’re racing in front of our people, in our city, and that adds a sense of responsibility you don’t feel anywhere else. It becomes deeply personal.”

According to Abraham, street racing demands a heightened sense of respect and discipline. Unlike permanent circuits, city tracks are tighter, less forgiving and leave little margin for error. Racing through familiar streets requires drivers to respect not just the barriers and corners, but the environment itself. He believes this dynamic forces humility and sharpens focus, making street racing one of the most challenging and rewarding formats in motorsport.

For Goa, Abraham sees the event as much more than a race weekend. He believes the Goa Street Race places the state firmly on India’s sporting map, adding a new dimension to its global identity. While Goa is already celebrated for its beaches, culture and lifestyle, hosting a world-class street race showcases the state’s ability to deliver large-scale international sporting events, boosting tourism and attracting global attention.

Preparation for the Goa Street Race, Abraham explains, has been about precision rather than experimentation. On a street circuit, there is no room to test ideas mid-race. Everything must be planned in advance, from car setup to driver confidence. Trust between the driver and the machine becomes crucial, as the circuit rewards discipline and smart decision-making over aggressive risk-taking.

The unforgiving nature of street racing also raises the stakes for the entire team. Abraham admits that even a small lapse can end a race instantly, making calmness under pressure a defining quality. He believes street circuits expose weaknesses quickly, but for a well-prepared team, they also bring out the very best in execution and teamwork.

Goa Aces JA Racing enter their home round with a strong, internationally experienced line-up. Leading the team is Raoul Hyman, the most successful driver in Indian Racing League history and a two-time defending champion. A fifth-generation Indian born in South Africa, Hyman brings consistency, composure and championship pedigree. Abraham believes Hyman’s ability to handle pressure makes him ideally suited for a demanding street circuit.

Indian racer Akash Gowda adds global race craft to the squad, having competed extensively across Japan and Southeast Asia. His international exposure strengthens the team’s competitiveness, particularly in races where split-second decisions often determine outcomes. Joining him is Chetan Surineni, a rising Indian talent and Rookie Racer Winner in the Italian Sport Prototype Championship, representing the fearless new generation eager to make its mark on a big stage.

Adding international star power is Fabienne Wohlwend, a Nürburgring 24 Hours podium finisher and former W Series racer. One of global motorsport’s most recognisable female competitors, her presence brings global credibility and inspiration, reflecting the level at which Indian racing now competes.

For Abraham, racing through Goa’s streets also brings fans closer to the sport. When racing enters the city, it becomes immersive; the sound, speed and energy create a shared experience that spectators can feel rather than simply watch. With the home team competing on its own streets, the Goa Street Race promises to be a defining weekend, not just for motorsport in India, but for Goa’s growing sporting identity.