The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Tuesday announced the commencement date of the Asian Games 2018 Torch Relay which will be held on 15th July 2018 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi where the permanent flame of the Asian Games is located.

A seven-member delegation from the Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) met the IOA officials to finalize the details for the Torch Relay. This year’s Asian Games will mark the 18th edition of the prestigious tournament which will be hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia.

A ‘Memorandum of Understanding’ was also signed by Mr Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, IOA and Mr Eris Herryanto, Secretary-General, INASGOC which covered the various obligations for the conduct of the 18th Asian Games Torch Relay in New Delhi. On 10th May 2018, IOA had constituted an Organizing Committee for the successful conduct of the Torch Relay to be held in New Delhi.

The venue for the torch lit ceremony is named after the legendary hockey player and a three-time Olympic gold medalist. The National Stadium was the main stadium for the first Asian Games held in New Delhi in 1951 and carries a historical value, not only for Indians but for the whole of Asia.

The 7-member delegation Indonesia Asian Games Organizing Committee (INASGOC) included the following:
(1) Mr Eris Herryanto, Secretary General (LEADER) of INASGOC
(2) Ms Celerina Judisari, Vice Director Ceremonies Department of INASGOC
(3) Mr Permana Sunu, Member Ceremonies Department of INASGOC
(4) Naoval Edrus, Member International Relations & Protocol Department of INASGOC
(5) Lieutenant Colonel Andi Pati, Air Force / Aviation Coordinator for Torch Relay
(6) Mathida Elis Benedicta, Torch Relay Team
(7) Debora Saron, Torch Relay Team

Also, present on the occasion was Mr Vinod Tiwari, Director International Relations, Olympic Council of Asia.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Rajeev Mehta, Secretary General, IOA said, “The Asian Games is the biggest event for Olympic sports in Asia and some of the best talents take part in this championship. We at the Indian Olympic Association are privileged to kick-start the Asian Games 2018 Torch Relay from the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and pass on the baton to all participating nations, marking the start of the 18th edition of this prestigious quadrennial Games.”

The Torch Relay is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.