We begin in China where the torch-relay for the 7th Military World Games started in Nanchang earlier today. Thursday is also China's Army Day which marks the founding of the People's Liberation Army, ninety-two years ago on this day in Nanchang. The ceremony for the commencement of the torch relay was used to highlight both the historical significance of the occasion and the spirit of sports along with a goal for world peace. CGTN's Sun Ye reports.

A young girl from a martyr's family lights and guards the fire at the birth place of the PLA army.

A proud military man runs the first leg. He is retired diver Peng Bo who won gold in both the Olympic Games and World Military Games.

The torch for the relay is named "Peace and Glory" and participants say they hope the message gets across.

FANG MINGLU PEKING UNIVERSITY STUDENT "I feel very honored to be lighting the fire at this special occasion. It's Army Day and at the birthplace of the PLA. I feel the fire is a fire of peace, and a fire of friendship. I hope to carry on the message of peace and friendship to all."

From teachers and engineers to a doctor who's served on peace-keeping missions, the Nanchang relay had representatives from different walks of life as torch-bearers. More than 1,500 people in the city have come to cheer.

"I don't care about the heat. I am proud and excited of this event. It's like the Olympics to us."

SUN YE NANCHANG "As the torch-relay goes on across China in the next 10 weeks, two-thousand-and-nineteen people in total will take part in this journey, including foreign military personnel who will join the relay later."

CISM Officials say the relay would go on to give a good message of peace.

COLONEL DORAH MAMBY KOITA SECRETARY GENERAL, INTL. MILITARY SPORTS COUNCIL "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."

Colonel Koita says he's sure China will contribute further to the Military World Games' mission.

COLONEL DORAH MAMBY KOITA SECRETARY GENERAL, INTL. MILITARY SPORTS COUNCIL "Today what we I see in Nanchang gives us more appreciation and trust of China as the leading member of our council."

More than 10,000 people will be taking part in the 2019 Games this October. Until then, we can only guess how the fire from the torch relay will go on to light up Wuhan, the host city in Central China. SY, CGTN, NANCHANG, JX PROVINCE.