ISTANBUL 

The northern Italian towns of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been chosen to host the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Following the decision of the 134th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland, IOC President Thomas Bach said: "Congratulations to Milan-Cortina. We can look forward to outstanding and sustainable Olympic Winter Games in a traditional winter sports country."

"The Olympic Winter Games Milan-Cortina 2026 will feature iconic venues and beautiful settings, combining the attractions of a modern European metropolis with a classic Alpine environment," Bach said.

The towns of Stockholm-Are in Sweden were the other candidates for the games.

The decision also designated Milan-Cortina to host the Paralympic Winter Games 2026.

Italy hosted the Winter Olympics twice, in Cortina in 1956 and Turin in 2006.