Torch Relay Begins for Asian Games in Japan
Listen to the story
A torch-lighting ceremony was held at Nagoya Castle in Japan to mark the start of the Asian Games torch relay. The event brought attention to the upcoming sports competition.
Famous wrestler Saori Yoshida served as the first torch bearer. She has long been a well-known figure in Japanese sports, especially in wrestling.
During the ceremony, Ms. Sawa and other participants held their hands over the fire at the torch bowl. This is a traditional part of such ceremonies, symbolizing the passing of the flame.
Speaking about the relay, Yoshida shared her hopes for the event. She said she wants the feelings of the torch runners to become support and strength for the athletes competing in the games.
The Asian Games are one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, bringing together athletes from many Asian countries. The torch relay is a symbolic tradition that takes place before the games officially begin.
Torch relays like this one are meant to build excitement and connect communities to the spirit of the competition. Runners carry the flame through different locations before it reaches the main stadium.
The ceremony at Nagoya Castle marks an important step in the buildup to the games, generating enthusiasm among fans and athletes alike as the event approaches.
Vocabulary7 words
- torch-lighting ceremony
- a special event where a fire is started for an important reason
- torch relay
- when many people carry a flame from one place to another
- torch bearer
- the person who carries the flame
- torch bowl
- a large container that holds the flame
- athletes
- people who compete in sports
- multi-sport event
- a competition with many different sports
- symbolic
- representing something important, not just practical
Quiz
Answer key
1. A torch-lighting ceremony 2. Saori Yoshida 3. Give them support and strength
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
A _____ was held at Nagoya Castle in Japan to mark the start of the Asian Games _____. The event brought attention to the upcoming sports competition.
Famous wrestler Saori Yoshida served as the first _____. She has long been a well-known figure in Japanese sports, especially in wrestling.
During the ceremony, Ms. Sawa and other participants held their hands over the fire at the _____. This is a traditional part of such ceremonies.
Speaking about the relay, Yoshida shared her hopes for the event. She said she wants the feelings of the torch runners to become support and strength for the _____ competing in the games.
The Asian Games are one of the largest _____ in the world, bringing together athletes from many Asian countries.
Torch relays like this one are meant to build excitement and connect communities to the spirit of the competition. Runners carry the _____ through different locations before it reaches the main stadium.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think torch relays are an important tradition before major sports events?
- How might it feel to be chosen as the first torch bearer for a big event?
- What other traditions do you know of that happen before sports competitions?
- Do you think ceremonies like this help build excitement for athletes and fans? Why or why not?