"I know that the Organising Committee has taken all appropriate measures to ensure safe competition for athletes and missions from around the world," Capralos said.

"We send our thanks to the Chinese Government for organising the Games in difficult conditions due to the pandemic.

"You have already broken the first record as Beijing will be the first city in history to host the Summer and Winter Olympics."

The Greek team includes Alpine skier Ioannis Antoniou who was the first to carry the Beijing Olympic Flame after the lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia.

The team also features cross-country skier Apostolos Angelis who was accorded the same honour when the Flame for Pyeongchang 2018 was lit. 

"I am sure that you will excel and honour our country in China once again," deputy minister for culture and sport Lefteris Avgenakis told the team.

"I want to wish good luck to the organisers for the Games, especially because of COVID-19 but they will be Games with great spectacle.

"China is a country that has taken advantage of the Olympic facilities from 2008 and did not let them fall into disrepair.

"It is certain that we will get a lot from a country that is hosting the Olympic Games for a second time."

In Athens before the team's departure, the HOC formally confirmed a new sponsorship deal for the team with the Port Authority of Piraeus.