Torch Relay: Stories
Opening of Torch Relay in Delhi
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UN PREMISES, Delhi, 30 January 2008 — The Tibetan Olympics torch was lit in front of the United Nations office in Delhi on the scheduled date today. The opening of the torch relay coincided with the 60th anniversary of Gandhi's death anniversary. Among about 50 participants consisting of college students, professionals, and three Miss Tibets, were two Indian college students, Benazir and Kriti, from Hindu college. After the torch was lit to kick-start the around-the-world torch relay, all the participants walked for about 15 minutes. All the participants shouted "Victorious Tibet" several times. The police had refused permission to do the event at Gandhi Samadhi (memorial tomb) at Raj Ghat as orginally planned. The symbolic torch relay culminated without any untoward public inconveniences. Following is the full text of the press release issued at the venue. The year 2008 is the time for World Olympics. The Tibetan community in exile are celebrating this time with a symbolic sports event: Tibetan Olympics 2008. We are happy and proud that the event is commencing with the opening of the torch relay on the Gandhi's 60th death anniversary. We light the torch on this day to pay our homage to Gandhi for his beliefs and guidance in justice, freedom and peace. We planned to light the torch at Gandhi Samadhi (memorial tomb) but due to refusal of permission by police, it is now being held at the UN Office Delhi. The torch will subsequently embark on an around-the-world tour, visiting five continents before returning to India in May. The Tibetan Olympics is an initiative to offer a platform for Tibetans to celebrate the spirit of the World Olympics being held in Beijing in August. The event will be held in May in Dharamshala, the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile, in Himachal Pradesh. Director Lobsang Wangyal (Text by Lobsang Wangyal; photos by Tenzin Nyima) News: Tibetan Olympics torch relay takes on its route around the worldNEW DELHI, India, 31 January 2008 (Phayul) — Torch relay of the Tibetan Olympics, a symbolic Tibetan sport event ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, opened Wednesday from the UN premises in the Indian capital. From Delhi the torch will go around the world through five continents covering Sydney, Taipei, Maui (Hawaii), Sucre (Bolivia), New York City, London, and Jerusalem before arriving in McLeod Ganj, the official venue for the games in the northern India state of Himachal. read Press release: 30 January 2008 — Tibetan Olympics Torch Relay in Delhi: Tibetan Olympics torch relay opensUN PREMISES, Delhi, 30 January 2008 — The year 2008 is the time for World Olympics. The Tibetan community in exile are celebrating this time with a symbolic sports event: Tibetan Olympics 2008. We are happy and proud that the event is commencing with the opening of the torch relay on the Gandhi's 60th death anniversary. We light the torch on this day to pay our homage to Gandhi for his beliefs and guidance in justice, freedom and peace. read More about the Delhi Torch Relay Opening
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