By James Crook

600744 653354124690383 2030739653 nJune 3 - The Universiade Flame has arrived in Moscow after travelling from Vladimir by train to a welcoming reception in the Russian capital as its tour of the country nears its conclusion, with Kazan 2013 just around the corner.


The Torch Relay is set to begin in the city today, with 42 torchbearers set to carry the flame, ranging from university students to top athletes, such as double Olympic and World champion runner Svetlana Masterkova and 13-time world synchronised swimming champion Anastasia Davydova.

Speed skating world and Olympic champion turned 1st Deputy Head of Physical Culture and Sport of the city of Moscow Nikolay Gulyaev will be given the honour of running the first leg of the Relay.

395366 666712256687903 953713864 nThe Universiade Flame arrived in Moscow today to a warm reception from citizens of Russia's capital city

The torch began its journey at Paris-Sorbonne University, which held the first ever "World Student Games" in 1923, and travelled aboard the sailing ship Sedov, travelling 45,000 nautical miles before embarking on a tour of 30 Russian cities, of which Moscow is the 17th.

A total of 2,013 people will carry the torch over the course of the Relay as it continues to edge closer to its final destination in Universiade host city Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan, where it is due to arrive on July 6 in time for the Opening Ceremony at the newly-built 40,000-capacity Kazan Arena.

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