Ulaanbaatar
History of Mongolia’s Participation in the Winter Olympics
Sports
Ulaanbaatar, February 4, 2026 /MONTSAME/. Since making their Winter Olympic debut at the 1964 Innsbruck Games, Mongolian athletes have competed in cross-country skiing and are now set to compete in alpine skiing at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Mongolia became a full member of the International Olympic Committee in 1962 and, at the “Innsbruck 1964” Olympic Games, raised its national flag with the Golden Soyombo at the Winter Olympic venue for the first time. This marked the historic moment when Mongolians first participated in the Olympic Games and stood shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best athletes. Since then, Mongolian competitors have continued to leave their mark on the Olympic stage.
The “Milan-Cortina 2026” Winter Olympic Games, set to open on January 6, 2026, will see Mongolia represented by international masters Achbadrakh Batmunkh and Ariuntungalag Enkhbayar in cross-country skiing, and Ariunbat Altanzul in alpine skiing.
Mongolia first took part in the Winter Olympics at “Innsbruck 1964,” sending 13 athletes to compete in biathlon, cross-country skiing, and speed skating. At that Games, Lkhamjav Ts. placed 20th in the women’s 3000-meter speed skating event, which remains the highest achievement by a Mongolian athlete at the Winter Olympics to date.
Notably, “Innsbruck 1964” also stands as the Winter Olympics in which Mongolia participated with the largest number of athletes.
Since 1964, Mongolia has competed in 15 Winter Olympic Games. Accordingly, “Milan-Cortina 2026” will be the country’s 16th Winter Olympic appearance. Beginning with the 1994 Winter Olympics held in Lillehammer, Norway, athletes have been required to meet qualification standards to earn Olympic berths. Since 1998, Mongolian skiers have participated in every Winter Olympics without interruption. From 1998 onward, international masters Ochirsuren E., Khash-Erdene Kh., Otgontsetseg Ch., and Achbadrakh B. have represented Mongolia at the Winter Olympics. With his participation in the snowy courses of Milan, Achbadrakh B. will make history as the first and only Mongolian athlete to compete in three Winter Olympic Games.
It is also worth noting that the only medal ever won by Mongolians in winter sports came at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympic Games held in Lillehammer, Norway. At that event, international master speed skater Sumiya B., competing as part of a mixed international team, won a gold medal. However, this medal is not counted among Mongolia’s official Olympic medal tally.
