A ZAMBIAN student studying in Italy has carried the Olympic torch through the streets of Milan after being selected as a torchbearer for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
Chanda Pule, who is pursuing postgraduate studies at Accademia Teatro alla Scala and Politecnico di Milano, took part in the official torch relay on Friday, 6 February, running along Monte di Pietà and Via Verdi in the city centre.
The Olympic torch relay is a long-standing tradition that sees the flame travel from Greece to the host nation ahead of the Games, carried by individuals chosen to represent values such as unity, resilience and inspiration.
Born and raised in Zambia, Pule completed her primary and secondary education in the country before graduating with a degree in Primary Education from Chreso University in Lusaka.
She moved to Italy in 2024 to continue her studies and is currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Management while training at Accademia Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most renowned theatre academies.
Speaking about the experience, she described being selected as a torchbearer as a profound honour and a significant moment in her academic journey.
“Carrying the flame allowed me to represent both my personal journey and Zambia on an international stage, this is massive and I hope the milestone will encourage young people at home to pursue education and global opportunities,” said Pule.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will be held across northern Italy, with the torch relay continuing its journey across the country ahead of the opening ceremony.
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