DOHA, 22 January 2006 — The Doha Asian Games Organizing Committee’s (DAGOC) preparations geared up yesterday, as Director General Abdullah Khalid Al-Qahtani officially welcomed guests at the revealing of the 13-country Torch Relay route that will begin its journey in October and conclude at the opening ceremony of the 15th Asian Games in Doha on Dec. 1.
The torch will visit all former Asian Games host countries including China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, The Philippines, Thailand, and five GCC states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and UAE, aside from Qatar.
It was also announced during the event that Sheikh Joaan ibn Hamad Al-Thani has accepted the role of the Doha 2006 Torch Relay ambassador. Sheikh Joaan’s role will include conveying the Qatari heritage to the world through the torch relay, highlighting the ideas of the Asian Games and promoting the spirit and culture of Asia.
“I’m delighted to be part of this exceptional journey, one that will travel around the region promoting friendship, community and peace,” said the official Torch Relay Ambassador Sheikh Joaan, in a pre-recorded speech. “I eagerly await the moment when the torch will return to Doha and officially open the games.”
A breathtaking TV commercial, shot on location in India, Thailand and China showcased the strength, spirit and endurance of the torch relay where 3,500 torchbearers will carry the flame a distance of 500 meters each on a journey that will span more than 50,000 km.
“The eyes of the world will follow the flame through local and international media,” said Al-Qahtani, director general, DAGOC.
The Doha 2006 Games Torch Relay will travel by various means of transport throughout its journey including camels, horses, dhows, and is likely to include bicycles, trams, elephants, rickshaws, canoes, dragon boats and other modes of transport.
“This is the first step toward the launch of the torch relay that takes place ahead of the games, while the flame is the primary symbol of the ideas and values of the games and fair competition,” said Al-Qahtani.
