The flame lighting ceremony for the upcoming Asian Games torch relay was held in Hiroshima on Thursday (August 13), marking a significant milestone in preparations for Asia's largest sporting event.
According to the organizing committee, the event followed a similar ceremony in Tokyo earlier this week, continuing the tradition of lighting flames at various locations before they converge at the host city. After being lit, the flame will begin its torch relay journey through numerous prefectures across Japan before reaching the main stadium during the opening ceremony.
Hiroshima, a city severely devastated during World War II, was chosen as one of the flame lighting locations to convey a message of peace and renewal through sports. Specific details regarding the relay route and the number of torchbearers are expected to be announced in the near future.
This edition of the Asian Games marks Japan's first time hosting the event in 32 years. The host nation aims to achieve a record number of gold medals at the Games, scheduled to take place in 2026.
