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LAUSANNE, Switzerland, June 24-- Italian cities Milan/Cortina were elected host of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the 134th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) here on Monday. IOC President Thomas Bach announced Milan/Cortina as the winner after they beat Sweden's Stockhom/Are 47-34 in a vote by 83 IOC members. Giovanni Malago, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, was emotional after the victory. "We have so many things to say but I am very really emothonal," he said at a press conference. "This is a very important result, not only for me, but for the whole country. "I am very proud of this fantastic team," he said. "We created this all together. It was very difficult at the beginning but all the people have faith from the beginning." Bach told reporters, "I would like to congratulate Milan/Cortina for this victory, which for the IOC is a great day. "We have the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in a traditional winter sport country with experience and passionate fans and athletes. "With this enthusiasm and support of the Italians, the foundations are laid for fantastic preparations," the IOC chief said. It will be the third time for Italy to host the Winter Olympic Games. Cortina was the first Italian city to host the Games in 1956 and Turin staged the event in 2006. Timothy Fok, the IOC member from Hong Kong, China, said the strong government support proved vital in Milan/Cortina's victory. | 
