Makhachkala and Cherkessk welcomed the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay

The Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay took place today in the republics of Dagestan and Karachai-Cherkessia. In Makhachkala the Olympic procession, which involved 67 torchbearers, went through the "Anzhi-Arena" stadium, and 16 Cherkessk torchbearers carried the Flame through the "Nart" stadium.

On Day 112 of its journey, the Sochi 2014 Torch Relay again returned to the territory of the North Caucasus Federal District. For the previous several days, the Olympic torchbearers were welcomed by residents of Stavropol and Pyatigorsk, and then the Torch Relay went through Elista and Astrakhan.

In the morning the Olympic Flame was delivered by airplane to the capital of the Republic of Dagestan, Makhachkala. Dagestan greeted the Keepers of the Flame with specialized horse riders and exuberant dances of the Caucasus. In the stands of "Anzhi-Arena", many spectators gathered on the celebration day - residents and guests of Makhachkala, honored guests, athletes and artists. They all greeted the Olympic procession, which made several laps of honor around the arena of the recently built stadium. Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Zagalav Abdulbekov was fortunate to be the first to carry the Olympic Flame on his home soil. Completing his Olympic meters, he passed the Relay to another Olympic freestyle wrestling champion, Vladimir Yumin, who received a gold Olympic medal after Zagalav Abdulbekov.

Other Dagestan sports stars were also torchbearers in Makhachkala: judoist Madina Kazakova and wrestlers Buvaysar Saytiev, Shirvani Muradov and Sagid Murtazaliev. Another wrestler and Olympic gold medal winner, Khadzhimurad Magomedov, completed the urban phase of the Sochi 2014 Torch Relay. Together with the president of Dagestan, Ramazan Abdulatipov, he lit the Cauldron to exuberant shouts from the spectator crowd of thousands. The Olympic Flame saw for the first time the traditional Caucasus lezginka dance performed by the best dance troupes of Dagestan.

Then the Flame was taken into the Lantern, and the steppe landscapes were exchanged for the mountains. The Flame arrived at the "Nart" stadium, which is located in the capital of the Republic of Karachai-Cherkessia, in the city of Cherkessk. There, awaiting their start, were the torchbearers, celebrated residents of the city and famous athletes. A ceremonial greeting of the Sochi 2014 Torch Relay added to the genuine colorful Caucasian event - local groups cheered spectators with national dances and songs.

The first to start with the Torch was honored coach of the Russian Federation in sambo and judo, Vyacheslav Pchelkin. Then the Torch Relay was received by honored freestyle wrestling coach Muradin Mazukabov, Olympic Games participant and world judo championship winner Alibek Boshkaev, honored master of sports in freestyle wrestling and repeat world cup winner Nauruz Temrezov, and winner of the Republic Spartakiad for people with a disability, Svetlana Agapova. The concluding meters around the stadium were run by the belt wrestling champion of the World Summer Universiade in Kazan, Alibek Khapaev. He went onto the stage and lit the Cauldron, together with the head of the Republic of Karachai-Cherkessia, Rashid Temrezov.

Ingushetia and Chechnya will be next to receive the Sochi 2014 Torch Relay in the North Caucasus Federal District. On the 28th of January the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay will go to the Chechen Republic, and then to the Republic of Ingushetia.

For more information contact: Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay Communications Service

sochi2014.com | OGON@sochi2014.com | +7 495 984 2014

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