Soraya Aghaei Joins IOC as Ukraine Finalizes 103-Person Team for 2026 Winter Olympics

Soraya Aghaei Elected to the International Olympic Committee

According to Главком: At its 145th Session in Milan, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted to elect Soraya Aghaei as a new member. Her candidacy received 95 votes in favor, with only two against. The 30-year-old Aghaei made history as the first Iranian athlete ever to compete in Olympic badminton, finishing 15th at the Tokyo Games. She also serves as a member of the Athletes' Commission of Iran's National Olympic Committee and works as a coach. Her election is a significant step for gender representation within the Olympic movement, particularly given her pioneering role for Iranian women in sport, which may inspire young female athletes in Iran and beyond.

Ukraine's Delegation for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games Confirmed

Separately, the official delegation roster for Ukraine's national team participating in the XXV Winter Olympic Games in 2026 has been approved. The delegation will consist of 103 individuals, including:

• 46 athletes
• 42 coaches, doctors, massage therapists, and other technical staff
• 15 members of the national team's management staff

Team Ukraine will compete across 11 sports disciplines, with participant numbers as follows:

• Biathlon (10)
• Alpine Skiing (2)
• Nordic Combined (2)
• Cross-Country Skiing (6)
• Luge (10)
• Skeleton (1)
• Snowboarding (1)
• Ski Jumping (2)
• Freestyle Skiing (9)
• Figure Skating (1)
• Short Track Speed Skating (2)

The confirmation of this delegation underscores Ukraine's commitment to competing on the world stage, demonstrating the diversity of the nation's athletic talent and its resilience in preparing for high-level international competition.