Torch relay for National Games kicks off in Xi'an

The first torch relay for China's 14th National Games and the 11th China National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 8th China National Special Olympic Games kicked off in Xi'an – capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province in Xi'an – on Aug 16.

China's 14th National Games are scheduled to be held on Sept 15-27, with Xi'an as the main host city, while the 11th China National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 8th China National Special Olympic Games will be held on Oct 22-29.

The torch relay is welcomed for China's 14th National Games in Xi'an on Aug 16. [Photo/IC]

The first station of the torch relay started at the Yongning Gate of Xi'an City Wall and ended at the North Square of Xi'an Railway Station, with the run being held over 5.3 kilometers.

The 100 torchbearers who participated in the first leg of the relay were representatives of various industries in Xi'an, including medics, representatives of poverty alleviation workers and other grassroots workers. The torch exchange distance for each torchbearer was about 53 meters.

Qin Kai, the Olympic diving champion from Xi'an, was the first torchbearer.

Qin Kai (R), the Olympic diving champion from Xi'an, receives the torch and acts as the first torchbearer for China's 14th National Games on Aug 16. [Photo/IC]

The torch relay will be carried out to 14 stations in 13 urban areas of the province and the entire  journey covers about 72 kilometers.

The flame will enter the stadium of the Xi'an Olympic Sports Center on Sept 15 and light the torch tower of the China's 14th National Games.

On Oct 22, it will enter the gymnasium of the Xi'an Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium to light the torch tower of the 11th China National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 8th China National Special Olympic Games.

Two torchbearers hold the flame for China's 14th National Games on Aug 16. [Photo/IC]