A Flame Rekindled: Olympic Torch Handover Starts Italy’s Countdown to 2026 Winter Games

Greece hosted the official handover ceremony of the Olympic flame for the 2026 Winter Games, held at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on December 4, 2025. The flame, ignited in Ancient Olympia on November 26, symbolizing the origins of the Olympics, was relayed through Greece before reaching the marble stadium—site of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

World champions including wrestler Georgios Kougioumtsidis and Italian Olympic tennis doubles champion Jasmine Paolini were among the torchbearers, emphasizing the connection between the two Olympic nations. The flame was then used to light the ceremonial cauldron inside the stadium, signifying the passing of Olympic traditions.

Giovanni Malagò, president of the Milan-Cortina 2026 organizing committee, expressed gratitude to Greece for preserving Olympic spirit and highlighted Italy’s preparations for the Games. The flame’s journey will continue through Italy, covering 12,000 kilometers over 63 days, spanning all 20 regions and 110 provinces, igniting enthusiasm nationwide.

Key Highlights:

Olympic flame handover ceremony held December 4, 2025, at Panathenaic Stadium, Athens

Flame ignited November 26 at Ancient Olympia, completing a nine-day Greek torch relay

Italian torchbearers included tennis champion Jasmine Paolini and cyclist Filippo Ganna

Milan-Cortina 2026 organizing committee president Giovanni Malagò led the reception

Torch relay in Italy spans 63 days, 12,000 km, covering all provinces and major cities

Event symbolized historic Olympic connection between Greece and Italy

Preparations for 2026 Winter Games are advancing amid some venue construction monitoring

Sources: Xinhua News Agency (Dec 4, 2025), International Olympic Committee official release, Reuters​