ISNA – Iranian actor Bahram Radan will be one of the torch bearers of the 2018 Winter Olympics known as PyeongChang 2018.

It is common that non-sports figures carry the Olympic torch. Hollywood actor Tom Cruise carried the torch in 2004 Athens Olympics. Former UK soccer captain David Beckham also helped carry the Olympic torch in London 2012 Olympic Games. This time it has come to an Iranian actor to be the ambassador of Iran in a global sports arena.

The official sponsor of PyeongChang 2018, South Korea’s Samsung Group for the first time picks out the people to carrying the Olympic torch.

Pointing to the fact that great people in history carried the Olympic torch, Radan said: “it is a great opportunity that was given to Iranians to be the representatives of our country in carrying the Olympic torch; the honor that may occur only once in life”.

Olympic Torch Relay will begin November first and will pass through from 17 cities and provinces of South Korea.

The relay began on October 26 after the flame was lit by the rays of the sun at a ceremony in ancient Olympia, Greece and will be delivered to South Korean managers. Nearly 7500 people during 101 days will carry the torch across five continents in its global relay, following its arrival in Incheon.