Olympic flame for Beijing 2022 lit in Ancient Olympia

As a symbol of peace, unity and solidarity, the Olympic flame will convey the values of Olympism to all those that see it on its travels. The flame will help build anticipation amongst Olympic fans eager to witness the world's best winter sports stars in action, whilst also inspiring thousands of athletes who are making their final preparations for these Games.

Due to the COVID-19 countermeasures, the ceremony in Olympia was held under strict conditions, with only a limited delegation present. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and several guests were in attendance, showing their solidarity with the Beijing 2022 Games.

Speaking at the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear that the Olympic Games have always stood above conflict: "In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls. The foundation for the ancient Olympic Games to take place in peace was a sacred truce -- the ekecheiria. This Olympic Truce ensured a halt to hostilities, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia and home again. The ekecheiria demonstrates that already the ancient Greeks understood that for the Olympic Games to unfold their unifying power, they must stand above any political conflict. In this way, already 3,000 years ago, there was an inseparable link between the Olympic Games and peace.

"This peace mission, handed down to us since ancient times, requires that the Olympic Games be respected as politically neutral ground. Only this political neutrality ensures that the Olympic Games can stand above and beyond the political differences that existed in ancient times, as well as today," he added.

Turning to the host city, he added: "Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will connect the Chinese people with the world, bringing to life China's vision to engage 300 million people with sport on snow and ice, changing winter sport forever. The entire world will see this passion when China welcomes the best winter sport athletes."

The traditional ceremony, held near the Temple of Hera, celebrates the Olympic Games' Greek heritage, connecting the modern Games to their historic origins. After the Olympic flame was lit by the High Priestess, it began its journey with Greek skier Ioannis Antoniou, an Olympian who also assumed the role of the first torchbearer for the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The flame was then passed to Chinese Olympian Li Jiajun, a winner of five medals in speed skating at 1998, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games (two silver and three bronze medals).

After the ceremony, the Olympic flame will be transported to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where on October 19 the official handover to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee will take place before the flame departs for China. A welcome ceremony will be held in Beijing on October 20, with the flame initially going on display to the public at the Beijing Olympic Tower before setting off on a flame exhibition tour. Closer to the Games, a traditional Olympic Torch Relay will be held. More information will be announced by the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee after the arrival ceremony on October 20. (ANI)