Beijing Winter Olympics: Torch relay begins

BEIJING: The Winter Olympics torch relay kicked off in Beijing on Wednesday as the Chinese capital prepares to host a global sporting event amid a diplomatic boycott and corona virus epidemics.

Before the opening ceremony on Friday evening, more than 1,000 torchbearers will take the flames to rival areas in Beijing and the neighboring city of Zhang Jiaqiao – which will host events such as cross-country skiing and ski jumping.

Torch Relay audiences will be severely limited as China will encourage its people to follow the online event instead of trying to see a personal glimpse of the procession.

The first three runners in the relay were 80-year-old former speed skater Luo Zhihuan, who won China’s first World Winter Sports Championship title in 1963, along with astronaut Jing Haipeng and Chang’e 1 satellite designer Ye Peijian. Beijing Daily

Mashaal’s trip to Beijing began in October when activists waved banners accusing China of human rights abuses at a flame-burning ceremony in the Olympic spiritual homeland of Greece.