Introduction to Watching Figure Skating in India
Figure skating is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the Winter Olympics. It combines the raw athleticism of a high-impact sport with the elegance and artistry of ballet. For fans in India, where cricket usually dominates the screen, finding out how to watch olympics figure skating can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, with the expansion of digital streaming and dedicated sports networks, catching the world’s best skaters perform quad jumps and intricate footwork has never been easier. Whether you are a fan of the breathtaking singles performances, the synchronized beauty of pairs, or the rhythmic storytelling of ice dance, this guide will provide everything you need to know about accessing the action from India.
The Official Broadcaster for the Olympics in India
The first step in learning how to watch olympics figure skating is identifying who holds the broadcasting rights. In recent years, Viacom18 has become the primary destination for Olympic coverage in the Indian subcontinent. This means that major events, including the Winter Games, are typically channeled through their digital and linear platforms. For Indian viewers, this is great news because it offers both free and premium options to stay updated with every short program and free skate. The two main avenues for this are JioCinema and the Sports18 television channels.
Streaming via JioCinema
JioCinema has revolutionized the way Indians consume international sports. To watch figure skating on this platform, you simply need to download the app on your smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. During the Olympic season, the app usually features a dedicated section for the Winter Games. You can find multiple feeds, including specialized streams that focus specifically on figure skating. The advantage of using JioCinema is the flexibility it offers. You can pause live action, rewind to see a spectacular jump again, or watch full replays if the live event took place during the middle of the night in Indian Standard Time.
Watching on Television with Sports18
If you prefer the traditional experience of watching sports on a large screen with high-definition clarity, Sports18 is your go-to destination. As the linear TV partner, they broadcast the most high-profile events of the Olympics. Most major cable and DTH providers in India, such as Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, and Dish TV, carry the Sports18 channels. It is advisable to check your channel package in advance to ensure you have access to Sports18 1, Sports18 1 HD, or Sports18 Khel. Watching on television is often the best way to appreciate the speed and scale of the skating rink.
Understanding the Figure Skating Events
When you figure out how to watch olympics figure skating, it is helpful to know exactly what you are looking for. The Olympic program consists of several distinct disciplines, each with its own set of rules and appeal. Understanding these can enhance your viewing experience significantly.
Mens and Womens Singles
These events focus on individual skaters. They perform two segments: the Short Program and the Free Skate. The focus here is on technical difficulty, particularly the number of rotations in jumps like the Axel, Lutz, and Toe Loop, balanced with artistic expression and skating skills.
Pairs Skating
Pairs skating involves a man and a woman skating in unison. This discipline is famous for its high-risk elements such as overhead lifts, throw jumps, and the death spiral. The synchronization between the two athletes is the primary metric for scoring.
Ice Dance
Unlike pairs skating, ice dance is based more on ballroom dancing. There are no overhead lifts or multi-rotation jumps. Instead, the focus is on complex footwork, rhythm, and the connection between the partners. It is often considered the most theatrical of the disciplines.
Team Event
The team event allows nations to compete against each other using a combination of their best skaters across all disciplines. Points are awarded based on placements in each segment, leading to a cumulative score for the country.
Technical Requirements for a Smooth Experience
To enjoy the fluid movements of skaters without the frustration of buffering, your internet connection needs to be stable. Figure skating is a fast-paced sport, and low-resolution streams can make it difficult to see the edge work and landing of jumps. A minimum speed of 5 Mbps is recommended for standard definition, but for a true high-definition experience on a smart TV, a 25 Mbps connection or higher is ideal. If you are watching on mobile data, ensure you have a sufficient data plan, as high-quality video streaming can consume a significant amount of data over several hours of competition.
The Importance of the Olympic Channel
Beyond the primary Indian broadcasters, the official Olympic Channel is a fantastic resource for fans. While live rights are often restricted to local broadcasters like Viacom18, the Olympic Channel provides extensive supplementary content. You can find behind-the-scenes footage, athlete interviews, and historical look-backs at legendary performances from past Games. This is a great way to build context and learn about the rising stars of the sport before they take to the ice. Following their social media handles is also a smart move to get instant updates on scores and medal tallies.
Navigating the Time Difference
One of the biggest hurdles for Indian fans is the time zone difference. Depending on where the Winter Olympics are hosted, the events might take place in the early hours of the morning or during the workday. To stay on top of this, it is recommended to use the official Olympics website to sync the schedule with Indian Standard Time (IST). Many fans find it helpful to set alerts on their phones for the specific groups or skaters they are most interested in seeing. If you miss a live performance, the highlights sections on JioCinema or the official Olympics YouTube channel are usually updated within hours of the event concluding.
Conclusion
Watching figure skating in India has transformed from a difficult task into a highly accessible hobby. By utilizing the digital power of JioCinema and the broadcast reach of Sports18, you can witness every moment of Olympic history as it happens. From the technical mastery of the jumps to the emotional depth of the performances, figure skating offers a unique sporting experience that is well worth the effort of tuning in. Now that you know how to watch olympics figure skating, all that is left is to find a comfortable spot, check the schedule, and prepare to be amazed by the incredible talent on the ice.
Is JioCinema free for watching the Olympics in India?
In most cases, JioCinema provides free access to major sporting events like the Olympics for all users, regardless of their telecom provider, though some premium content or ad-free versions might require a subscription.
What should I do if the event is not showing on Sports18?
If the main Sports18 channel is showing a different sport, check the JioCinema app, as it often hosts multiple simultaneous feeds for different Olympic disciplines that may not fit on a single TV channel.
Can I watch full replays of the figure skating programs?
Yes, JioCinema typically archives full sessions of the events, allowing you to watch the entire figure skating competition at your convenience if you missed the live broadcast.
Are there any Indian figure skaters in the Olympics?
While India has a growing interest in winter sports, representation in figure skating is rare. However, the fan base in India follows international stars from the USA, Japan, and Europe closely.
