ISLAMABAD -- The torchbearers for Beijing Olympic Torch Relay in Islamabad on Wednesday rehearsed and vowed to accomplish their sacred mission in order to make the whole process smooth and successful.
Samiullah Khan
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Dozens of torchbearers gathered together and practiced the torch relay virtually for the last time.
Samiullah Khan, a former field hockey player, was instrumental in Pakistan's bronze medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, and won a gold medal in Asian Games in Bangkok in 1978.
Samiullah Khan who is the first torchbearer of the relay, told Xinhua he felt excited to be part of the ceremony. "Being a player I could enjoy the hockey matches and this is the best thing I can do after retirement from hockey," he said.
He pointed out that it was the first time for Olympic Torch Relay to be conducted in Pakistan and all the Pakistani people felt happy about it.
"We Pakistani people will stay together with the Chinese people, and the whole world should support Beijing Olympic Games because it is expected to be a dream shared by all the sportsmen in the world," Samiullah said.
He said that the torch carried a great significance and he pledged to make a good start as the first torchbearer.
Wan Yingyan, the only Chinese female torchbearer in Islamabad, told Xinhua she was the mother of a 3-year-old child. Nominated by Lenovo, a sponsor of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Wan said she was reluctant to travel abroad because of a keen linkage with her child.
"However, the great honor of being a torchbearer encouraged me to come to Pakistan," Wan said, adding that she would cherish the opportunity and play her role in the relay.
According to a plan unveiled by Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) on Monday, a total of 65 torchbearers will carry the Beijing Olympic flame during its tour in Islamabad on Wednesday.
Syed Arif Hassan, president of POA, said all the arrangements were in place and Pakistan was absolutely ready for the relay, which is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday afternoon.
