Olympic Torch Relay Canceled

The Hellenic Olympic Committee has decided to cancel the Olympic torch relay due to the widespread impact of the coronavirus.

This decision was made jointly by the International Olympic Committee and the Greek Ministry of Health. The reason for this measure is the large gathering of people at the ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic flame that took place in Sparta, despite numerous warnings. As a result, the torch's passage through various locations in the presence of large crowds poses a risk of further spreading the virus.

The parties agreed that the lit torch will be transferred to the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee on March 19 at the Panathenaic Stadium, without the presence of the public.