After beginning this morning in the hands of Russian judoka Svetlana Ganiyeva, a total of 51 Torchbearers, including people with disabilities, coaches, and athletes of all levels, carried the Flame along a five kilometres route in the centre of the city.

The Flame was then lit by former European judo medallist Yury Akshentsov, also the local chairman of the All-Russian Association of the Blind, and head of the republic Rustem Khamitov. 

"We witnessed a historic event today and I am sure that the Paralympic Games will boost the development of the youth sports in Bashkortostan," said Akshentsov after lighting the Flame.

"The Olympic Games were concluded just recently and the baton is passed to the Paralympic Games - we have a strong team and outstanding athletes with unique spirit.

"I am sure that our athletes will be ahead of everyone and we will win most of the medals."

The Paralympic Flame is lit simultaneously in several Russia cities every day of its 10-day journey through every region of the world's largest country.

There was also a special heritage Flame Lighting event on Saturday in Britain to mark Stoke Mandeville's founding role in the Paralympic Movement ©Getty Images





There is due to be a special Ceremony on Wednesday (March 5) uniting all of the different Flames, including the heritage one lit at Stoke Mandeville, ahead of the final legs of the Relay on Thursday (March 6) and Friday (March 7).

The Flame will then be carried into the Fisht Olympic Stadium to officially open the Games.