BEIJING: The Winter Olympic torch relay began in Beijing on Wednesday as the Chinese capital prepares to host the global sporting event against the backdrop of diplomatic boycotts and the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 1,000 torchbearers will carry the flame through competition areas in Beijing and the neighboring city of Zhangjiakou before the opening ceremony on Friday evening - hosting events such as cross-country skiing and ski jumping.
Spectators for the torch relay will be strictly limited as China encourages its people to follow the program online instead of trying to catch a glimpse of the procession.
The first three runners up in the relay were Luo Zhihuan, an 80-year-old former speed skater who won China's first Winter Sports World Championship title in 1963, according to astronaut Jing Haipeng, as well as Chang'e 1 satellite designer Ye Peijian, Beijing Daily.
The torch's visit to Beijing began in October when activists hoisted banners accusing China of human rights abuses at a flame-lighting ceremony in Greece's Olympic spiritual homeland.
Several countries, including the United States, Australia, Britain and Canada, have announced a diplomatic boycott of the Games over China's human rights record, including its treatment of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang and crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong.
Beijing has condemned the boycott and is committed to withdrawing from a sport that will burn its international reputation.
As the only remaining major world economy still following a zero-Covid strategy, China is not taking any chances with the Olympics.
The event is being held within a tightly sealed "bubble", with no contact between the participants and the public, to prevent the spread of any infection to the wider population.
The flame reached Beijing in October after the traditional torch relay was abandoned on Greek soil due to coronavirus concerns.