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Torch Relay Route
Doha, 17 January 2006: The Doha Asian Games Organising Committee preparations
moved up a gear today as Director General Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani officially
welcomed guests to the reveal of the 13-country Torch Relay route that will
begin its journey in October 2006 and conclude at the 15th Asian Games Opening
Ceremony in Doha on 1 December 2006.
The Torch Relay will visit every former Asian Games host country: China, The
Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Iran, Korea, Japan and five Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) States to which Qatar belongs; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman
and UAE.
It was also announced during the event that His Excellency Sheikh Joaan Bin
Hamad Al Thani has accepted the role of the Doha 2006 Torch Relay Ambassador.
H.E. Sheikh Joaan's roles will include conveying the Qatari Heritage to the
world through the Torch Relay; highlighting the ideals of the Asian Games and
promoting the spirit and culture of Asia.
"I am delighted to be a part of this exceptional journey, one that will travel
around the region promoting friendship, community and peace", said the Official
Torch Relay Ambassador, in a pre-recorded speech. "I eagerly await the moment
when the Torch will return to Doha and officially open the Games."
A breathtaking television 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 metres each on a
journey that will span more than 50,000 kilometres.
"The eyes of the world will follow the Flame through local and international
media", said Abdulla Khalid Al Qahtani, Director General, DAGOC "and we are
proud to showcase the very best of our spirit and culture to the rest of Asia
and the world through the Games' Torch."
The Doha 2006 Games' Torch Relay will travel by various means of transport
throughout its journey including camels, horses, dhows and likely to include
bicycles, trams, elephants, rickshaws, canoes, dragon boats and other modes of
transport.
"This is the first step towards the launch of the Torch Relay that takes place
ahead of the Games, while the Flame is the primary symbol of the ideals and
values of the Games and fair competition," Al Qahtani continued.
The announcement of the Torch Relay route is a key milestone on the road to the
Games that will benefit Qatar by ways of global awareness to the fast-developing
and evolving country, while showcasing the heritage of the nation.
"The remaining months to the Games will witness our commitment and devotion to
place Qatar on the international sports map, believing in the importance of this
event to further enhance the position of Qatar as an emerging regional and
international cultural sports destination."
"This is a step further to unifying the people and the cultures of Asia through
the spirit of the Games, enthusiasm, respect and above all; peace achieved
through sportsmanship and brotherhood," Al Qahtani concluded.
The Doha 2006 Torch will be lit at a special ceremony in October 2006 in Doha,
the host city for the Games.
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