Francesco Ricci Bitti appointed IOC Honorary Member. Unanimous decision in Greece, a first for an Italian
- IN COSTA NAVARINO
Francesco Ricci Bitti has been unanimously elected Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee. The 83-year-old Italian executive was chosen by IOC members meeting in Costa Navarino, Greece, during the 144th Session, which will also elect the successor to IOC President Thomas Bach.
It was Bach himself who presented Ricci Bitti’s candidacy, together with that of former United Nations Secretary-General and Chair of the IOC Ethics Commission, Ban Ki-moon. “It is a great honour and pleasure to propose, on behalf of the entire Executive Board, two exceptional leaders,” said Bach, who praised Ricci Bitti’s commitment to autonomy, cohesion, and good governance within the Olympic Movement.
The position of Honorary Member is granted to distinguished individuals outside the IOC who have rendered outstanding service in accordance with the Olympic Charter. The last person to be named Honorary Member was Henry Kissinger, former United States Secretary of State, who passed away in 2023. This marks the first time the honour has been awarded to an Italian executive.
In his long career in sports management, Ricci Bitti (photo: Roberto Di Tondo CONI) served as President of the Italian Tennis Federation and later of the International Tennis Federation (1999–2015). He was also an IOC member from 2006 to 2012. From 2013 to 2024, he served three terms as President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). In 2016, he was awarded the Collare d’Oro by CONI, Italy’s highest sporting honour. Throughout his distinguished career, he was also a member of the CONI Executive Board and National Council.
Kirsty Coventry elected IOC President, the first female President in IOC history
- IN COSTA NAVARINO
Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe was elected today as the 10th President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the first female President in IOC history, following 1 round of voting at the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
Coventry was chosen over fellow presidential candidates HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, David Lappartient, Johan Eliasch, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Lord Sebastian Coe and Morinari Watanabe.
President-elect Coventry said: "I am incredibly honoured and excited to be elected as President of the International Olympic Committee! I want to sincerely thank my fellow members for their trust and support.
“The young girl who first started swimming in Zimbabwe all those years ago could never have dreamt of this moment. I am particularly proud to be the first female IOC President, and also the first from Africa. I hope that this vote will be an inspiration to many people. Glass ceilings have been shattered today, and I am fully aware of my responsibilities as a role model. Sport has an unmatched power to unite, inspire and create opportunities for all, and I am committed to making sure we harness that power to its fullest. Together with the entire Olympic family, including our athletes, fans and sponsors, we will build on our strong foundations, embrace innovation, and champion the values of friendship, excellence and respect. The future of the Olympic Movement is bright, and I can't wait to get started!".
After the election, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “Congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on her election as the 10th IOC President. I warmly welcome the decision of the IOC Members and look forward to strong cooperation, particularly during the transition period. There is no doubt that the future for our Olympic Movement is bright and that the values we stand for will continue to guide us through the years to come”.
Read President-elect Coventry’s biography and manifesto.
Kirsty Coventry will succeed the ninth IOC President, Thomas Bach, whose 12-year tenure will officially end after Monday 23 June 2025. The President is elected by the IOC Members by secret ballot for a term of eight years.
ECO signs Host City Contract with Istanbul for European Games in 2027
- FOURTH EDITION
The European Olympic Committees (EOC), Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) and Turkish National Olympic Committee (NOC) have today signed the Host City Contract for the Istanbul 2027 European Games.
The signing of the agreement at the 54th EOC General Assembly marks official confirmation that Europe’s premier multi-sport event will be held in Türkiye’s largest city in two years’ time.
Following approval from the EOC members at the 53rd EOC General Assembly in June 2023, the Host City Contract will enable preparations in Istanbul to accelerate, with the full sport programme for the fourth edition of the European Games to be confirmed later this year.
EOC President Spyros Capralos, Mayor of Istanbul Ekrem İmamoğlu and Turkish NOC President Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener attended the signing in Frankfurt, Germany, with all stakeholders, including the Turkish government, committed to holding a world-class event that elevates the European Games to the next level.
President Capralos said: “The signing of the Host City Contract for the Istanbul 2027 European Games marks a significant milestone for the EOC, and we are excited to take this important step forward. The excellent relationship that the EOC has enjoyed with Istanbul, the Turkish NOC and the Turkish government has been invaluable in bringing us to this point. Their dedication and collaboration have been essential in making this vision a reality. As we prepare for the fourth edition of the European Games, we are committed to delivering an event that not only highlights the very best of European sport but also celebrates the rich culture and hospitality of Istanbul and Türkiye. Together, we will elevate the European Games to new heights, and I am confident that Istanbul 2027 will be a truly world-class event that unites athletes and spectators alike. We look forward to working closely with our Turkish partners in the years ahead to make this a truly memorable Games”.
Mayor İmamoğlu said: “This is a proud moment for our city and for Türkiye as we take on the responsibility of hosting the European Games. I would like to express my gratitude to the EOC and the Turkish NOC for their trust and collaboration”.
Second place for Manila Esposito at the ‘Piotr Nurowski 2024’, Azzurra gymnast awarded in Frankfurt
- AWARDED BY THE EOCs
Second place for Manila Esposito at the ‘Piotr Nurowski’ award, presented today in Frankfurt during the 54th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees.
The Azzurra gymnast, Olympic silver medallist in the team final and Olympic bronze medallist on the balance beam at Paris 2024, had been selected among the five finalists for the award dedicated to the former tennis player and President of the Polish Olympic Committee, which the EOCs have been presenting since 2011 to celebrate Olympic values in young athletes.
The winner of the 2024 edition was Hungary’s Viviana Marton (taekwondo), ahead of the eighteen-year-old Fiamme Oro athlete and French table tennis player Felix Lebrun. Completing the ranking were Lithuania’s Dominika Banevic (breaking) and Germany’s Helen Kevric (artistic gymnastics).
Esposito, who also claimed four gold medals at the European Championships held in Rimini in 2024, was presented with her prize by outgoing EOCs Secretary General Raffaele Pagnozzi and CONI President Giovanni Malagò (photo: EOCs).
The ‘Piotr Nurowski’ award was previously won in 2017 by cyclist Letizia Paternoster and, three years earlier, by swimmer Simone Sabbioni. In 2020, biathlete Linda Zingerle became the first young Italia Team athlete to win the winter edition of the award, introduced in 2016.
Carlo Mornati elected Secretary General of the EOCs, succeeding Raffaele Pagnozzi after 19 years
- IN FRANKFURT
Carlo Mornati is the new Secretary General of the European Olympic Committees. The Italian executive, currently Secretary General of CONI, was elected today during the 54th General Assembly of the EOCs taking place in Frankfurt, Germany.
Mornati was the sole candidate to replace fellow Italian Raffaele Pagnozzi, who steps down after 19 years and a long and distinguished managerial career, including serving as Secretary General of CONI.
The newly elected Secretary General (photo: EOCs), a silver medallist in the coxless four at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and world rowing champion, was elected unanimously as part of the renewal of the EOCs Executive Committee, which also confirmed Greek candidate Spyros Capralos as President, along with Daina Gudzinevičiūtė as Vice-President and Peter Mennel as Treasurer.
Also elected to the Executive Committee were Mihai Covaliu (ROU), Liney Rut Halldorsdottir (ISL), Danka Bartekova (SVK), Victoria Cabezas (ESP), Annamarie Phelps (GBR), Jean Michel Saive (BEL), Franjo Bobinac (SLO), Thomas Weikert (GER), Emma Terho (FIN), Zlatko Matesa (CRO), Jose Manuel Araujo (POR) and Anneke Van Zanen-Nieberg (NED).
The Assembly was attended by outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach, as well as CONI President and IOC member Giovanni Malagò – who provided an update to the European committees on preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games – and a delegation from CONI’s Olympic Preparation division.
Mornati thanked President Malagò for supporting his candidacy and expressed his gratitude to Pagnozzi for his work over the years. Reflecting on his 13 Olympic experiences – first as an athlete, then in various roles including as Head of Mission for Italy – the newly elected Secretary General said: “I feel a great sense of responsibility for this election and I thank all the Committees that voted for me. I will work hard for the development of the EOCs”.
‘Stronger Together’ forum, Malagò: “Extraordinary years thanks to the work of our athletes”
- CNA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The Salone d’Onore of CONI hosted the second ‘Stronger Together’ forum, the national assembly of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission, marking the end of the Paris 2024 Olympic cycle.
The event (photo: Roberto Di Tondo CONI) was part of the projects supported by the International Olympic Committee through Olympic Solidarity, aiming to promote the principles of Olympism and help National Olympic Committees to prepare their athletes for future challenges both in sport and in their professional lives.
“This meeting is a wonderful opportunity for dialogue and sharing to help ensure a better future for the world of sport,” explained Raffaella Masciadri, President of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission Steering Committee, in her opening speech. “Sport is a powerful tool for individual and collective growth. It goes beyond simple competition, teaches fundamental values, and unites people by breaking down cultural and social barriers. Sport offers opportunities to everyone. At Paris 2024, our athletes taught us that even a fourth place or simply taking part in the Olympic Games can bring happiness. The National Athletes’ Commission plays a crucial role as a bridge between athletes and institutions: moving forward together, network building, creating a community and strengthening the voice of our athletes.” “We have worked in recent years to develop new projects and strengthen existing ones,” added Vice-President Carlo Molfetta, who is also Director General of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. “I would like to highlight one thing: the National Athletes’ Commission is not a union, but strives to create projects to support athletes. As for Taranto 2026, we are doing our utmost to ensure the event is a success and that it leaves a positive legacy for the future of Apulia.”
The floor was then given to CONI President Giovanni Malagò: “Italy will remain in an Olympic phase until 2028 with the Milano Cortina Winter Games and the Dolomiti Valtellina Winter Youth Olympic Games. Never before has Italian sport achieved such leading results. We have just won the medal table for the first time at the Winter EYOF, where the best under-18 cross-country skier in the world, Daniel Pedranzini, shone. And at the Alpine Skiing World Championships, Giorgia Collomb won gold in the team event, after previously achieving great results in youth competitions with the Italia Team. We are planting seeds for the future. These have been extraordinary years. Once, we imported coaches, now we export them. Thanks to the National Athletes’ Commission, always loyal and committed. If CONI has achieved wonderful things in recent years, it is above all thanks to you, the athletes.”
Joining him was CONI Secretary General Carlo Mornati: “From a regulatory and legal point of view, enormous progress has been made, and the National Athletes’ Commission is proof of this. These are great opportunities for the movement, great opportunities for everyone. Be aware of the path we have taken and that Italy is now a reference point at the highest level.”
IOC member Federica Pellegrini, who conveyed greetings from the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission through a video message by President Emma Terho, said: “I am continuing to live a dream in the world of sport. We have many ideas, many projects, but things must be tackled step by step. We want to give athletes a voice for both the present and the future. We need to take a step towards them and their needs. Paris 2024 was a success from many points of view, but we cannot stop here.”
“Without athletes there would be no sport. Their needs and their rights must be protected,” said Antonella Del Core. “The voice of the athletes must become increasingly present within sports bodies.” Cristina Lenardon also contributed, speaking about the National Sport Federation Athletes’ Commissions: “There is much to be done. The Olympic Charter promotes the importance of the athletes’ voice in institutions, and the IOC Athletes’ Commission is an example to follow. The work we are doing today is the future for those who choose to invest in sport tomorrow.”
Francesco Marrai addressed the topic of safeguarding, which was then elaborated on by Prefect Ugo Taucer, Prosecutor General for Sport, while Elena Pantaleo spoke about trends in the world of sport and the role of athletes, outlining future scenarios involving opportunities, the growth of the movement, and investment in the women’s sector.
Chief Strategy Planning & Legacy Officer of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation, Diana Bianchedi, then presented the Milano Cortina 2026 project: “The representation of athletes must be tangible. That is why we founded the Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes and Coaches Commission, which is crucial for decision-making across different areas in the lead-up to the Games.” “We want to spread and promote the culture of sport. These will be sustainable Games,” added Federico Pellegrino, who is also a member of the Milano Cortina 2026 Athletes’ Commission. “We are working for the present and future of athletes, fighting against all forms of discrimination.” The event concluded with Tatiana Andreoli, who introduced the topic of preventing competition manipulation, which was then explored in greater depth by Prosecutor Taucer.
"Stronger Together", al CONI il secondo forum degli atleti italiani
With two golds and a silver, Italia Team finishes top of the medal table at the EYOF. Pedranzini flag-bearer at the closing ceremony
- BAKURIANI 2025
The seventeenth Winter edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival, held in Georgia across the cities of Bakuriani, Batumi and Tbilisi, came to a perfect close.
On the final day of competition, the Azzurrini claimed a further three medals – two golds and one silver – allowing Italia Team to top the overall medals table with a total of 16 podiums: 7 golds, 6 silvers and 3 bronzes.
Early in the morning, the cross-country skiing mixed relay team immediately made the Italian anthem ring out, thanks to an outstanding performance from Alice Leoni leading off, Luca Pietroboni in the second leg, Vanessa Cagnati in the third, and Daniel Pedranzini anchoring the final push. It was a true team victory, with the early skiers staying among the leaders and handing over in the front group, setting Pedranzini up to clinch the win in the final leg. For the Azzurro, it was a fourth personal gold medal at these EYOF Games, achievements that earned him the honour of being named flag-bearer for the Italian delegation at the closing ceremony.
The second gold medal of the day came from a dominant performance by the mixed biathlon relay, with Italy leading from the very first exchange and steadily increasing their advantage over their rivals at each shooting range. Rafael Santer, Julian Huber, Gaia Gondolo and Thea Wanker secured a margin of 1’19”9 over the Czech Republic, who took silver ahead of France.
Finally, there was a silver medal for the alpine skiing team in the team event. After defeating Ukraine in the round of 16, Poland in the quarter-finals, and the Czech Republic in the semi-finals, it was Norway who dashed the Azzurrini’s hopes of gold. The athletes who stepped onto the podium were Marta Giaretta, Victoria Klotz, Emma Bastita, David Castlunger, Luca Loranzi and Alex Silbernagl.
The Bakuriani 2025 EYOF concluded with the closing ceremony held at the foot of the Crystal Ski Resort slopes. The ceremony was broadcast live on Italia Team TV.
Inaugural Olympic Esports Games to be held in Riyadh in 2027
- FIRST EDITION
The first edition of the Olympic Esports Games, a landmark event both in the world of esports and within the Olympic Movement, will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Road to the Games with the first Olympic competitions will already start this year, it was announced today.
The IOC made history in July last year, when the 142nd IOC Session decided to create the Olympic Esports Games. For the organisation of these, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
As part of this cooperation, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC-EWCF partnership aims to create a lasting impact, bridging the gap between esports and traditional sports while expanding opportunities for players and teams representing their countries.
As the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games, the EWCF brings its expertise in game selection, tournament structures and ecosystem engagement to drive innovation in the development of the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC and EWCF will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to establish qualification pathways, enhance competitive integrity, and align the national esports ecosystems with broader global standards.
The EWCF is a non-profit organisation committed to fostering the growth and development of esports and gaming worldwide. As the driving force behind the Esports World Cup, the EWCF works to elevate the industry by shaping competitive structures, strengthening the esports ecosystem, and ensuring the integrity, sustainability and growth of esports.
The cooperation between the IOC and the SOPC was the major topic of a meeting between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC President Thomas Bach and the President of the SOPC and Minister of Sports, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal in Riyadh on Sunday (photo Royal Court).
President Bach said: “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas”.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said: “Today the journey to the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is clear, with an immediate timeline that works for all parties and sees the Road to Olympic Esports Games start in 2025. Together with the IOC there is real momentum, unity and clarity on the way forward, with the focus now on delivering. Already Saudi Arabia is looking forward to welcoming the world and playing its part to help the dreams of so many esports athletes come true. Just as we are seeing across all sports in the Kingdom, there is real growth and new opportunities to grasp as part of an exciting future for all”.
The partnership between the IOC and the SOPC comes at a time of significant growth of sport overall in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has staged over 100 international events for both male and female athletes, including esports, football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian and golf, attracting more than three million sports fans.
Overall sports participation levels have more than tripled since 2015 to almost 50 per cent of the country’s population. The number of sports federations has also increased threefold during this time, from 32 to 97.
A joint committee of the IOC and the SOPC has been set up to steer the Games. It is chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal. The committee consists of six people, three from each partner, and is currently working to define the games that will be part of the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games.
OMEGA Begins The Countdown to The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026
- MILAN
The countdown to Milano Cortina 2026 has begun. As Official Timekeeper of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, the Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has marked the moment with a special “One Year To Go” celebration in Milano - one of the two Italian host cities.
Especially for the occasion, the brand unveiled its stunning new Countdown Clock next to Milano’s iconic cathedral at the Piazza del Duomo. Similar to a snow globe, the giant clock has been tailor-made with a special airflow system that creates a continuous artificial snowfall effect around the competition logo. On the outside of the cube, two digital displays keep track of the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games on February 6th, 2026, as well as the Paralympic Winter Games, beginning on March 6th.
Raynald Aeschlimann, President and CEO of OMEGA, was joined by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee; Alain Zobrist, CEO of OMEGA Timing; and Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
Raynald Aeschlimann said, “We can already feel the anticipation and excitement building for the winter events at Milano Cortina 2026. We know the athletes will have their dreams set on this huge upcoming occasion, and it makes everyone at OMEGA very proud to know we will be there to time their historic moments”.
Thomas Bach said, “The Olympic Games relies of the precision and experience of OMEGA. They are experts in the Official Timekeeping role and we continue to value their commitment and enduring passion. It’s an honour for me to join this one-year countdown on behalf of the IOC”.
Speaking about the brand’s role as Official Timekeeper, Alain Zobrist said, “With our precision timing and data measurement, OMEGA looks forward to telling the full story of each event in Milano Cortina. We’re expecting another thrilling edition of close finishes and dramatic results”.
Giovanni Malagò said, “Starting the OMEGA countdown today is an emotional moment. The Opening Ceremony now feels so close and we can’t wait to host the world here in Italy. I know that Milano and Cortina will create a fantastic atmosphere, and our venues will provide the perfect stage for sporting greatness”.
OMEGA has been the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games since 1932, and the Official Timekeeper of the Paralympic Games since 1992. Throughout this time, the brand has introduced some of the most important timekeeping technologies in sport, while recording every performance with utmost precision. OMEGA’s critical role is essential to the successful outcome of the events and is relied upon at each edition by athletes, judges, and spectators alike.
Prime Minister Meloni welcomes IOC President Bach and President Malagò
- AT PALAZZO CHIGI
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni today welcomed the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, and the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, to Palazzo Chigi. During the meeting (photo: Presidency of the Council), a range of topics related to the Olympic and sporting movement were discussed, with particular attention given to the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Page 23 of 144