The torch-relay for the 7th Military World Games has started in Nanchang and CGTN's Sun Ye has more from the site.

SUN YE NANCHANG: 

Well today's torch-relay activities certainly have blended both historical significance and sports spirits, and in that way we are reminded of the Olympics. The flame, the fire was lit up here in Nanchang, the birth place of the PLA army. This is the place that even today; many would come to make a sort of pilgrimage, to get inspired by the army spirits. 

The very first torch-bearer is Peng Bo, an Olympian. Peng is a retired champion diver, a gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and a PLA man. Peng was actually part of the renowned August 1st PLA diving team. And that team of divers not only had their signature jumps but were also known for showing the best in athletes and the military.  

Another high-profile torch-bearer on the first day is Wang Zhizhi, China's very first basketball player to compete in NBA back in early 2000s. He's now the coach for China's BAYI rockets.  

As the torch-relay goes on across China in the next 10 weeks, two-thousand-and-nineteen people altogether will take part in this journey. There will be other outstanding athlete-cum-soldiers like Peng, but also representatives from all walks of life, like on this first day, there are also a doctor who's been on peacekeeping missions, teachers, engineers. Foreign military personnel will also get in the relay later. 

The Military World Games are aiming for "glory and world peace". That reminds of the Olympic mantra of "excellence and friendship." But of course the Military Games are games on its own plane. Besides regular sports items, the October Games will see soldiers compete in parachuting, military pentathlon, naval pentathlon and others. But now that the relay has started, we're as curious as before any big games about how the fire will light up Wuhan, the host city when October comes.