NSTsports: The flame was handed to Tokyo 2020 representative Naoko Imoto, a swimmer who competed in the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
In the absence of spectators, Olympic gymnastics champion Lefteris Petrounias ran a lap with the flame and Olympic pole vault champion Katerina Stefanidi lit a cauldron inside the all-marble Panathenaic stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.
Last week’s flame lighting ceremony in ancient Olympia was also carried out without spectators as Greece registered its first death from the virus. Authorities decided to cancel the torch relay’s Greek leg after a crowd mobbed Hollywood actor Gerard Butler at a cauldron lighting ceremony in Sparta last week.
But the International Olympic Committee says it is “fully committed” to holding the Games from July 24 as scheduled.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Greece to restrict migrant camp movements in virus measure | The Malaysian InsightOvercrowded camps will be placed on a two-week restriction.
Read more »
Plane leaves Japan for Olympic flame with no delegates onboardTokyo 2020 chose not to send representatives due to virus concerns. FMTNews Tokyo2020
Read more »
Tokyo Olympics flame festivities scaled back over virus | The Malaysian InsightOrganisers allow roadside spectators but ask anyone feeling unwell not to attend.
Read more »
IOC committed to Tokyo 2020 Games, no need for 'drastic decisions'(Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee does not plan any 'drastic' decisions about the Tokyo 2020 Games, saying on Tuesday it remains fully committed to the event being staged in four months time despite the global spread of the coronavirus.
Read more »
IOC to adjust Tokyo 2020 qualifications system | The Malaysian InsightAdjustments and all allocations of remaining places will be based on on-field results and reflect where possible, the existing principles of the respective qualification systems.
Read more »
Tokyo Olympics chief attended meeting with official who now has coronavirus | Malay MailTOKYO, March 19 — Tokyo 2020 Olympics chief Yoshiro Mori attended a meeting on March 10 that included the deputy head of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) who tested positive for the new coronavirus this week, officials said. Mori, 82, has not been tested because he was not subject to testing...
Read more »