Torch relay for Asiad flags off

New Delhi: With little over a month to go for the Asian Games in Indonesia, the torch relay began its 18,000km journey from the National Stadium here — the place where the Games’ flame was lit for the first time at the inaugural edition in 1951.

“India always holds a special place in the hearts of sportspeople in Asia, because the nation, specifically New Delhi, was the birthplace of the Asian Games. The torch relay today will bring the two countries even closer,” said Indonesia Asian Games Organising Committee chairman Erick Thohir.

Indonesian badminton legend and Barcelona Olympic gold medallist Susi Susanti handed over the torch to five-time world boxing champion M.C. Mary Kom, who ran with it briefly before passing the baton to other Indian athletes.

Hockey players Sreejesh P.R. and Sardar Singh, table tennis stars Manika Batra and Achanta Sharath Kamal, ace shooter Jitu Rai were among the athletes who got their hands on the torch.

Mix-up
A haphazard organisation though led to confusion that saw elite Indian athletes including Sreejesh, Sardar Singh (both hockey), Jitu and Kamal hitching a ride on the media bus.

The stranded athletes, however, were sporty enough and did not mind taking a shared transport.