As the eldest torchbearer for the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province, 83-year-old Luo Zhihuan was thrilled to take part in the torch relay on Monday.

"I was nervous but ecstatic to become a torchbearer for the Games in my hometown," said Luo, China's first winter sports world champion.

He was among the 120 torchbearers, who ranged in age from 16 to 83 and represented the various industries and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Games.

"It's a relay of the Olympic spirit from the older generation to the next generation, and I hope our young athletes can vie for the best results at the Games," Luo said.