China launches Olympic torch relay

China celebrated the start of the Olympic torch relay on Monday, but heavy security highlighted concerns that protests over Tibet, human rights and other issues may tarnish its historic journey.

President Hu Jintao officially launched the flame on its globe-trotting journey at a nationally televised ceremony from Tiananmen Square, Beijing's political heart, after it arrived from Greece.

The 130-day relay, hailed as the most ambitious ever, will cross 19 countries before returning to China for a three-month tour that includes an ascent of Mount Everest.

Hu held aloft the torch before passing it to Liu Xiang, a Chinese sporting icon who is the reigning 110m hurdles Olympic and world champion.

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source: http://sports.inquirer.net/