ISLAMABAD - The Olympic flame witnessed its tenth-stop relay in Sports Complex of Islamabad on Wednesday with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani attending the opening and celebration ceremonies.
Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf (L) and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani hold the Olympic torch during the opening and celebration ceremonies in Islamabad, April 16, 2008. [Xinhua] |
"I welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay on its 'Journey of Harmony'. Let me convey my strong sentiments to Beijing and wish them the best of luck at the Beijing Olympic Games," said Pervez Musharraf in the opening ceremony.
"We in Islamabad, share the Beijing's enormous pride as the host of the Olympic Games. I hope the world will witness determination, passion and strength, which are the hallmark of the Chinese nation. I wish them all the best and hope that they will always cherish the memories of their short stay in Pakistan."
Pakistan Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani also delivered speech in the opening-up. "The journey of the Olympic torch carrying the message of harmony symbolizes the Olympic ideals of peace, friendship and international understanding. Here today we the people of Pakistan confirm our commitment to lighting the passion and sharing the dream of global harmony," said Yousaf Raza Gillani."
The Olympic torch today places upon us as citizens of a growing yet shrinking world a great responsibility, a responsibility we must stand up and accept, a responsibility to share a universal vision of harmony, a responsibility to make the world a peaceful and passionate home for our future generations and to whom history will make us answerable."
The first torchbearer was Samiullah Khan, a former field hockey player from Pakistan, who was nicknamed "The Flying Horse" because of his great speed. He played as a left winger for Pakistan in 1970s and 1980s.
"I personally represents Pakistan wishing China good luck and host a great Olympic Games," said Samiullah Khan. "It's pitiful for the torch relay going on in the closed stadium, but the security is the first thing to consider for everyone. Millions of people can see the relay through TV. In 2001, I went to China during the ninth Chinese National Games in Guangzhou and I hope to find another opportunity to visit China next."
Khan was instrumental in Pakistan's bronze medal in the 1976 Summer Olympics in Mentreal, and won gold in Asian Games in Bangkok in 1978. Khan retired from international hockey in 1982 while he was a captain of Pakistan. Khan's brother Kaleemullah Khan also played for the national field hockey team of Pakistan. He later managed the Pakistan team, quitting in 2005.
Jahangir Khan, the last torchbearer in Islamabad relay, is a former world No. 1 professional squash player, who is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the game.
"You know the squash is not a sport of Olympics, so it has always been a dream for me to be an Olympian. It's a special way for me to be in Olympic Games. It seems you passed the final line and got a No. 1 and won a gold medal in the Olympics. Something what I am doing today is accomplishing something like that," said Jahangir Khan.
