Winter Olympics torch relay kicks off in China

The Winter Olympics torch relay kicked off in Beijing. The solemn ceremony took place in one of the parks of the Chinese capital. The organizers had to significantly reduce the route and duration of the relay due to the pandemic. More than 1,000 people will carry the torch, which will be brought to the ‘Bird’s Nest’ National Stadium. The opening ceremony will be held there on February 4.

“I am very happy. It is a great honor and a great responsibility for me. This torch carries the boundless love of the whole team of taikonauts for the Motherland. We do sports on different equipment in outer space. I hope that in the future there will also be equipment for winter sports,” taikonaut Jing Haipeng said.

“This the first time I have held the Olympic torch, and I think the only one. I am happy and excited. Despite the difficulties of the pandemic, I believe that the Games will succeed. Also, China celebrates the Lunar New Year, so we have two happy occasions. The Olympic Games mean, first of all, Olympic spirit, peace, cohesion and health. I believe that the Winter Olympics will bring a new spirit not only with good results, but also with a greater unity of the nations of the whole world,” added Speed Skating World Champion Luo Zhihuan.

Translation by Saniya Sakenova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova