Asian Games torch relay starts
The torch relay for the upcoming Guangzhou Asian Games officially kicked off in Beijing Tuesday morning.
Chinese President Hu Jintao lit the torch in a ceremony at the Temple of Heaven before handing it to champion swimmer Zhang Lin, the first of more than 2,000 torch bearers who will carry the symbolic flame to several cities across China.
"The 16th Asian Games will officially open in Guangzhou in one month and it is another high profile sports event that will be held in China following the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games," Chinese Olympic Committee president Liu Peng said during the ceremony.
"The Asian Games torch relay will take place in Beijing, Harbin, Changchun, Haiyang of Shandong and cities across Guangdong province. The 16th Asian Games are displaying their charm to the whole Asia and the whole world," he added.
The torch, however, will not leave the host country unlike in previous editions. The torch will return to Guangzhou in time for the opening ceremonies on 12 November.
Organisers are hoping that Guangzhou's hosting of the quadrennial multi-sport meet will help boost the economic development in the southern metropolis.
Olympic Council of Asia president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah congratulated the Chinese government after the successful launch of the torch relay.
"We are looking forward to sharing the enthusiasm and joy brought by the 16th Asian Games with people from across Asia and witnessing the great success of the Games," he said.
About 12,000 athletes from 45 countries and territories will take part in this year's Asian Games, which will run until 27 November.
China is expected to regain the overall title after winning 166 gold, 87 silver and 63 bronze medals at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. South Korea finished a distant second with a haul of 58-53-82 while Japan placed third with a 50-71-77 medal harvest.
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