ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov finished fifth in the men’s short program at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy, earning 92.94 points on Feb. 10. Ilia Malinin of the United States leads the standings with 108.16 points, followed by Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama with 103.07 and France’s Adam Siao Him Fa with 102.55.

Kazakhstan will host the 2029 Asian Winter Games after Saudi Arabia's withdrawal. Almaty has been named as the new venue by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The decision was announced at the Winter Olympic Games in Italy, where OCA President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani thanked Kazakhstan for its commitment to developing winter sports.

ALMATY – The 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially open today, Feb. 6, in Milan-Cortina, Italy, with Kazakhstan ready to highlight its winter sports talents in front of a worldwide audience.

Ilia Malinin is in first place in men's figure skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics after scoring 108.16 in the short program on Tuesday in Milano Ice Skating Arena in Assago, Italy.

American Andrew Torgashev placed inside the top 10 with his short program score of 88.94, but he is unlikely to challenge for the medal podium. France's Adam Siao Him Fa, Italy's Daniel Grassl and Mikhail Shaidorov of Kazakhstan are the top contenders for the bronze medal.

Americans who top the podium at the Milan Cortina Games will be in line for a $37,500 bonus. Their competitors could collect as much as $800,000.

Winning an Olympic medal can bring in a significant payday for athletes. From USA to Kazakhstan and Korea to Canada, a look at the medal bonuses in the Milan Cortina Games.

The Winter Asian Games will return to Kazakhstan after nearly two decades, with an agreement signed in Milan confirming the country as the host for