The torch for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games was lit in the ancient village of Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games in the 8th century BC.
Modern.az reports that the ceremony was broadcast by Greece's ERT Sport television channel.
The torch lighting ceremony began with the Olympic Anthem performed by Greek opera singer Kristina Pouliçi, and the national anthems of Italy and Greece performed by the children's choir of the Italian School of Athens.
The event was attended by Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas and International Olympic Committee President Kirsti Koventri.
Traditionally, the torch is lit in the ancient Temple of Hera using sun rays and a parabolic mirror. However, due to unfavorable weather conditions, this year the ceremony was moved to the Olympic Archaeology Museum.
The 2026 Olympic Games will be held from February 6-22 in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
