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European Games' flame lit in Azerbaijan

Xinhua, April 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

The flame of the inaugural 2015 European Games was ignited at the Azerbaijani capital here on Sunday.

The torch relay started at the ancient Zoroastrian temple Ateshgah, about 40 km south of Baku, on April 26, and will then pass from one region to another in Azerbaijan for 47 days before being delivered to the Baku Olympic Center for the Opening Ceremony.

The torch measures 660mm high, and its body features a pomegranate tree, echoing the Baku 2015 brand. The copper head that protects the flame is also in the form of a pomegranate - its 50 pips representing the number of nations participating in the Games.

At each location, the flame will be transferred to an oil-fired lamp, based on an iconic Azerbaijani design incorporating the pomegranate tree motive from the torch and games identity. There will be more than 1,000 torchbearers in total.

The 2015 European Games, an international multi-sport event for athletes representing the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of Europe, will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 12 to 28 June 2015 and feature over 6,000 athletes from 50 NOCs competing in 20 sports. Endi