Virus-delayed Tokyo Olympics torch relay begins

Major step towards start of coronavirus-delayed Games on July 23

Last updated: March 25, 2021 | 06:31

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The torch is lit by a member of Japan's women's national football team "Nadeshiko Japan" during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Grand Start in Naraha, Fukushima prefecture, northeastern Japan, Thursday, March 25, 2021.

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Fukushima: The Tokyo Olympics torch relay kicked off Thursday, a year late and without spectators, heralding a major step towards the start of the coronavirus-delayed Games on July 23.

“This little flame never lost hope and it waited for this day like a cherry blossom bud just about to bloom,” Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto told officials and media in Fukushima, where the relay began.

Virus-delayed Tokyo Olympics torch relay begins

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