2006 Asian Games - Torch Relay

Torch Relay

The torch relay has been integral to the Asian Games since 1958. The plans for the Doha 2006 torch relay were revealed by the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee on January 20, 2006.

The relay itself started on October 8, 2006 with a brief ceremony at the Doha Golf Club "Flame of Hospitality". With the involvement of over 3000 persons, the torch crossed eight former Asian Games host countries and four Gulf Cooperation Council member states. The first pit stop was in New Delhi on October 11, 2006. In total the relay passed through 13 countries and 23 cities. The relay, which has a distance of 50,000 kilometres in 55 days, is the longest relay in the history of the Asian Games.

Below is a list of places visited by the torch:

1. India – New Delhi
2. South Korea – Busan
3. Philippines – Manila
4. Japan – Hiroshima
5. China – Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau
6. Indonesia – Jakarta
7. Thailand – Bangkok
8. Iran – Mashhad, Esfahan, Tehran
9. Oman – Salalah, Muscat, Sohar
10. United Arab Emirates – Hatta, Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi
11. Kuwait – Kuwait City
12. Bahrain – Manama

The torch travelled back to Doha held by Sheikh Joan Bin Hamad AL-Thani, and the journey around the city itself started on November 25, 2006 and lasted until the opening ceremony of the Games.