The torch of the 15th Asian Games has lit up in its host city, Doha of Qatar on Sunday night, which marked the beginning of its epic journey across the Asian continent.

Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad A-Thani of Qatar, also the President of the Qatar National Olympic Committee has been honored to light up the torch at the Doha Golf Club.

After the cauldron was lit, 45 young men lit lanterns and placed them on the 45 tables -- one for each of the countries and regions competing in the Games.

The 15th Asian Games Torch will visit 15 countries and regions over the next two months as it spreads the message and the spirit of the Games.

There will be 3,500 carriers to attend the torch relay which will travel to India, South Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Iran, Oman, United Arab of Emirate, Kuwait, Bahrain, as well as China, Macao and Hong Kong of China.

Leaving for India in a private aircraft known as the 'Flame Plane', the Torch will travel in a specially-made lantern to keep it shine throughout its travels.

The torch is due to return Qatar at the end of November. It will enter the Khalifa Stadium of Doha on December 1st to mark the start of the 15th Asian Games.

(Xinhua News Agency October 9, 2006)