The International Olympic Committee has awarded the rights to Ten Network Holdings to broadcast the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, in 2014.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said: “Sochi 2014 will be the first Olympic Winter Games held in Russia, and sports fans around the world will be tuning in to follow the very best of Olympic winter sport next February.”

He added: “Australia is a sports-loving nation with passionate Olympic fans, and therefore we are very pleased to be able to announce this agreement with Ten to ensure fantastic broadcast coverage of the Olympic Winter Games.”

Ten Network Holdings has acquired broadcast rights on all media platforms in Australia.

IOC finance commission chairman Richard Carrión, who led the negotiations, added: “Ten is an experienced sports broadcaster with a clear passion for the Olympic Games.

“The agreement ensures there will be extensive free television coverage of next year’s Olympic Winter Games, as well as the very best broadcast coverage on other media platforms, including online and mobile.”