Road to Milano-Cortina 2026
As the Winter Olympics approached, January brought a historic announcement:
🇦🇪 UAE Makes History
The United Arab Emirates confirmed it would make its Winter Olympics debut, sending alpine skiers to Italy. This milestone symbolized the globalization of winter sports beyond traditional cold-weather nations.
🎿 CONTROVERSIES & GOVERNANCE
⚠️ Ski Jumping Scandal
Norway’s ski jumping program was rocked by a major equipment-tampering scandal. Coaches received suspensions after athletes were found using illegal suit modifications, reigniting debates on fairness, regulation enforcement, and technological manipulation in winter sports.
🏌️ GOLF & SPORTS BUSINESS
📺 LIV Golf Expansion
LIV Golf secured expanded broadcasting rights across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, signaling its intent to strengthen its foothold in European markets despite ongoing tensions with traditional golf institutions.
📌 CONCLUSION: A DYNAMIC START TO 2026
The period from 01–15 January 2026 demonstrated the global diversity and intensity of modern sport:
- Athletics showcased raw endurance and tradition.
- Tennis delivered unpredictability and generational shifts.
- Football balanced rebuilding with silverware ambitions.
- Winter sports expanded into new territories.
- Global leagues like the NBA pushed international boundaries.
As the Australian Open, European championships, and Winter Olympics approached, the sporting world entered 2026 with momentum, controversy, and anticipation.