The torch-lighting ceremony for the 7th Military World Games was held in the city of Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, marking the beginning of the torch relay from the cradle of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday – the 92nd anniversary of the founding of the PLA.
The event aims to highlight the historical significance and the sports spirit for world peace.
Fang Minglu, a student at Peking University and a member of a martyr's family lit and guarded the fire at the birthplace of the PLA. As one of the post-90s generation, she felt "very honored to be lighting the fire on this special occasion."
"It's Army Day and the birthplace of the PLA. I feel the fire is a fire of peace and friendship. I hope to carry on the message of peace and friendship to all," Fang told CGTN.
Nanchang's historical event occurred more than 90 years ago, but she still considered it important to remember the history.
The torch-lighting ceremony for the 7th Military World Games is held in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province on Thursday. /VCG Photo
A military man, Peng Bo, ran the first leg of the relay with the torch "Peace and Glory" which represents peace, development and friendship. The Nanchang native ran as crowds cheered loudly. The retired diver is a gold medalist in both the Olympic Games and World Military Games.
Colonel Dorah Mamby Koita, secretary general of the International Military Sports Council told CGTN that the torch relay was an important activity to promote the World Military Game's tenet and go on to give a message of peace.
"War is thought of as the first thing for a military, but military men are also the first to be sacrificed in wars. That's why we have the policy for athletes across the world to get together and work for peace."
He was certain that China would contribute further to the Military World Games' mission.
"Today what we see in Nanchang gives us more appreciation and trust of China as the leading member of our council," Koita said.
Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, demonstrates the torch for the 7th Military World Games in Beijing, May 30, 2019. /VCG Photo
A total of 2,019 torch-bearers will join the relay which will visit 27 cities and 16 military spots across the country through October 18, according to the Ministry of National Defense.
Over 10,000 participants from more than 100 countries and regions are expected to compete in the event, which will be held in Wuhan, the capital of central China's Hubei Province, between October 18 and 27.
Held in China for the first time, the highest-standard multi-sport event for soldiers across the globe, hailed as the "Olympics for the military personnel," is under the theme of "Military Glory, World Peace."