World | Other World Stories
Security tight as China launches Olympic torch relay
Chinese President Hu Jintao lit a cauldron on a rostrum on Tiananmen Square before handing the torch to World and Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang.
- Agencies
- Published: 11:21 March 31, 2008
Beijing: In a symbolic start to the games, Beijing's Olympics torch relay launched on Monday amid tight security.
Chinese President Hu Jintao lit a cauldron on a rostrum on Tiananmen Square before handing the torch to World and Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang.
"The century-old dream of the Chinese people to host the Olympic Games has been turned into a reality," said Xi Jinping, who is overseeing Olympic preparations.
The torch relay around the world would illustrate unity ahead of the August 8 opening of the Games. Protests have marred the event.
A second flame was lit to be taken to Tibet, where an attempt will be made to take it to the top of Mount Everest in early May.
More from Other World Stories
More from World
News Editor's choice
-
Ukraine leaders fight over Russian language
Violence erupts in Ukraine parliament over a bill to allow use of Russian language in courts, hospitals
-
CBSE: 100% success in many UAE schools
6,000 students from 53 schools meet grade expectations in examinations
-
'I can’t believe he is not going to come back'
Seventeen-year-old boy went missing in Dubai during a visit from Pakistan
