15th Asian Games Torch journeys onwards to Manila

Leaving the cheering crowds of Busan behind, the Flame of Hospitality on October 15 set out from Korea for the next stop on its epic journey - Manila, capital of the Philippines.

Throngs of supporters have crowded the streets in each of the three cities the Torch has passed through so far, with the people of Delhi, Agra and Busan eager to catch a glimpse of the 15th Asian Games Torch Relay.

Torchbearers in Manila can expect an equally warm reception to that received by Indian sprint legend Milkha Singh in Delhi, his high-jump teammate Bhim Sing in Agra, and 2004 Olympic taekwondo gold-medallist Moon Dae-Sung in Busan - and their hundreds of companions.

Before departing the Korean capital, the Torch Relay toured the downtown area of the city and paused over the Gwangan Bridge, where it was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd.

Then it was off to the airport for the next stop, Manila, Philippines.

At 5:30 p.m. today, the 'Flame Plane' touched down in Manila at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

HE Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, 15th Asian Games Torch Relay Ambassador heading the delegation was warmly welcomed by Philippine Olympic Committee President Jose Cojuangco, Philippine Sport Commission Chairman William Ramirez, His Excellency Isias Begonia, Philippine Ambassdor to Qatar and Qatar's own Ambassador to the Philippines HE Abdullah Al Mutawa.

Sheikh Joaan carried the Flame of Hospitality into the country in a safety lantern, which will ignite the 15th Asian Games Torch used for the relay through Manila while a Brass Band add much colour and life to the whole occasion.

HE Sheikh Joaan was then the Guest of Honour at the Qatar Embassy dinner at The Shangri La Hotel and in attendance there were 30 thrilled Asian Ambassadors and officials from the Philippine Olympic movement.

The Philippines is the third of the 15 countries and regions the Torch will pass through on its epic 50,000km journey through Asia and the Middle East.

Qatar's Flame of Hospitality will take to the streets of Manila on Thursday 19 October as the Torch Relay once again spreads the message of the 15th Asian Games Doha 2006.

If its previous stops are anything to go by, the Flame will be received with wild enthusiasm and colourful pageant by the people of the Philippines.

For more information, please contact Doha 2006 Pre-Games Media Centre at:
Hotline: +974 4383833 (from Saturday to Thursday 8.30am until 6pm Doha time) or email: [email protected] (for regional media) and
[email protected] (for international media)