However, just before the torch-lighting ceremony inside the archaeological site that played host to the Olympics in ancient Greece, a few demonstrators tried to break a tight police cordon.
One of them, unfurling a banner, managed to approach Beijing Games chief Liu Qi during his speech in front of hundreds of officials but was taken away without reaching him.
Police said the demonstrator was a 48-year old Tibetan and that three men had so far been detained.
Exiled Tibetans had pledged to demonstrate on the day against China's security crackdown in the region and what they say is the IOC's hesitance to pressure Beijing to improve its human rights record.
Police said an additional 25 protesters had attempted to come in but a strong police presence kept them at bay before they dispersed.
Also see: Tibetan exiles to protest Beijing Olympics
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