Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- An opening ceremony of the XXIV Winter Olympic Games was held at the Bird's Nest National Stadium in Beijing. The event has just ended, the Olympic flame has been lit and the Games have officially started.

This year, 2,871 athletes from 91 countries are taking part in the Games. During the solemn procession, the State flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan was also raised. The standard-bearer of our delegation was Komiljon Tukhtaev, who will defend the honor of our country at the XXIV Winter Olympic Games.

During the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach spoke, wishing good luck to the competitors from all over the world.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the opening ceremony.

This was followed by the artistic part of the solemn ceremony and the process of lighting the Olympic flame. It should be noted that the process of lighting the torch was one of the most amazing parts of a large-scale sports festival. 

Grand fireworks display over the stadium was the logical end to the event. Notably, Beijing became the first city in the world to host both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games.

Thus, the long-awaited event ended on a high note. In the morning, athletes will continue to fight for medals.