NHK Sports announces live coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 figure skating team event final.
Japanese broadcaster NHK has confirmed its broadcast schedule for the figure skating team event final at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The competition will be aired live on NHK's E-television channel starting at 3:25 AM JST on February 9th (Monday), with simultaneous streaming and catch-up viewing available online.
The broadcast will feature three Japanese athletes competing in the final phase of the team event. Riku Miura and Ryuichi Kihara are scheduled to perform in the pairs free skate, while Kaori Sakamoto will represent Japan in the women's singles free skate. Shun Sato is set to compete in the men's singles free skate portion of the team competition.
Milano Cortina 2026 Team Event Format
The figure skating team event combines performances across all four disciplines - men's singles, women's singles, pairs, and ice dance. Each country fields athletes in multiple categories, with points awarded based on placement in each segment. The format creates a unique dynamic where individual performances contribute to an overall team medal.
Japan's team composition reflects the country's current depth in figure skating, with established competitors like Sakamoto, who has claimed multiple Grand Prix victories, alongside emerging talents such as Sato in the men's field.
Figure SkatingAlysa Liu Captivates at Milano Cortina 2026 Free SkateJapanese Figure Skating at Milano Cortina
The early morning broadcast time reflects the time difference between Japan and the Italian host cities of Milano and Cortina d'Ampezzo. NHK's comprehensive coverage includes both live television and digital streaming options, ensuring Japanese fans can follow their athletes' performances regardless of the scheduling challenges.
The team event has become a highlight of Olympic figure skating since its introduction, offering a different competitive format from the traditional individual medals. For Japanese skating fans, the event provides an opportunity to see multiple national team members compete on the same program.
