Shillong: The Abode of the Clouds, Meghalaya welcomed the 12th South Asian Games torch to Shillong under cloudy skies on Wednesday. The weather, however, failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the event.
The torch, which travelled all the way from Delhi, and then Guwahati was was formally handed to CEO of the South Asian Games (Shillong), RK Sharma at Mawiong Mawlai.
Among the dignitaries who turned up to welcome the torch to Shillong were Joint CEO Shillong and Commissioner and Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs, FR Kharkongor, Meghalaya State Olympic Association President, John Kharshiing and Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, FM Dopth.
The torch was passed on to two of Meghalaya’s sporting heroes – karateka Linza Syiem and footballer Leikini Suting- who ran with the torch before proceeding to the city in an open-top vehicle accompanied by the 12th South Asian Games 2016 mascot, Tikhor.
The torch will next be seen in public at the Run for North East, which will be flagged off by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, on Thursday.
Boxers MC Mary Kom and L Sarita Devi and Bollywood star Milind Soman are scheduled to take part in the torch relay, while footballers from Shillong Lajong FC will participate in the fun run.
The Run for North East begins at Fire Brigade Ground at 8:30am, with the torch relay to start 15 minutes earlier.
