The torch relay for the upcoming 10-day 7th CISM Military World Games on Oct 16 came to Wuhan -- the capital city of central China’s Hubei province and host city for the giant sports event -- according to Xinhua news agency.
The massive games take place Oct 18-27 and will involve over 10,000 athletes from 100 countries.
Officials said that a total of 100 torchbearers from home and abroad – among them Olympic champions, Military World Games athletes, researchers, experts and soldiers -- passed the flame on a route through the host city's iconic East Lake Greenway.
The torch is 70 centimeters long and weighs 780 grams. It represents peace, development and friendship, officials said.
Ma Xu, who ran the 98th leg of the torch relay, is a former military medical worker and a soldier in China's airborne troop. Ma, who is 86 years old, donated her life savings of 10 million yuan ($1.41 million) to support the educational and cultural development of her hometown in 2018.
Officials said that Ma was the oldest torchbearer of the day.
Zhang Wenxiu, who ran the last leg of the relay, is a former professional athlete who participated in three Olympic Games and four IAAF World Championships in athletics and won medals in the women’s weight throwing competition.
The torch relay concluded at 9:30 am. The 7th CISM Military World Games flame will be lit at the opening ceremony, to be held on Oct 18.
The 7th CISM Military World Games Torch Relay starts in Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone on Oct 16. [Photo/Xinhua]
