Today, March 19, on the territory of the Lena Pillars National Park in Yakutia, a solemn ceremony of lighting the Flame of the 8th Children of Asia Games took place 100 days before the Games start.
The fire, which serves as a harbinger of the Games, was ignited in compliance with the traditions of the Sakha people that reflect the cultural heritage of the Republic. The event was accompanied by the sacred rite of algys (blessing) during which the elder, Algyschyt, produced the Fire of the Games.
Mr. Aisen Nikolaev, Head of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia):
- Back in 1996, the First President of our Republic, Mr. Mikhail Nikolaev, presented the world with these wonderful Games. Today we see that they have actually become a symbol of our Yakutia, a symbol of our country. Young athletes from dozens of countries around the world will be participating in the 8th Children of Asia Games. Our Yakutia remains the place that attracts real athletes. Here we have a clean, honest, uncompromising, sports competition in the name of friendship. I am confident that this year we will conduct the Games at the highest level.
Mr. Vladimir Maksimov, President of the Children of Asia International Committee:
- All nations associate fire with warmth, a symbol of family hearth. At the same time, it is a powerful force that leads us forward and gives us life. The torch relay will last 100 days across all 36 districts of the Republic, I am sure that through its scale everyone will recognize the beauty of Yakutia. The torch relay will truly unite us all before the main event of 2024 - the 8th Children of Asia Games. Children of Asia - Beginning of Victories!
Mr. Stanislav Pozdnyakov, President of the Russian Olympic Committee:
- I am glad to welcome you here, in the most unique place of our country - Lena Pillars. Thanks to the Children of Asia Games, young athletes will have an opportunity to compete in fair play. I am confident that all participants of the Games share the main Olympic ideals. These are friendship, a pursuit of excellence and respect for one's opponent. So it was, so it is and I am sure it will be so. I wish the Games a big success! Congratulations!
Mr. Vyacheslav Fetisov, a two-time Olympic champion, Ambassador of the 8th Children of Asia Games :
- I am grateful to the First President of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Mr. Mikhail Nikolaev for Children of Asia Games. Flame lighting is a tradition that will continue on this beautiful land. I know for sure that among these children there are future great athletes. Ice hockey in Yakutia will be the sport #1!
Let us remind you that the torch relay of the Games will start on March 20 in Pokrovsk and finish on June 26 during the opening ceremony of the Games at the Tuymaada Stadium. The total number of torchbearers will be 550 people, and the length of the route will be about 37,000 km.
