Thousands of Nepalese take part in 100-day countdown of Beijing Olympics

    

    KATHMANDU, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Nepalese athletes, representatives of civil societies and Chinese nationals living in Nepal participated in the 100-day countdown ceremony of Beijing Olympics organized in Nepali capital Kathmandu on Wednesday.

    To mark the occasion, the Nepali National Sports Council (NSC) and Nepal Olympics Committee (NOC) jointly organized a rally starting from the national stadium which convened at the historic Basantapur Durbar Square area in the heart of the capital city.

    Along with thousands of athletes, speaker of Nepal's interim parliament Subas Chandra Nemwang, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zheng Xianglin, President of NOC Dhurba Bahadur Pradhan, General Secretary Jeevan Ram Shrestha and various other personalities participated the rally.

    The rally went around various thoroughfares of the city before convening at the courtyard of the centuries old royal palace during early hours of the day.

    Upon completion of the rally, various cultural groups displayed cultural dances and pageantry at the courtyard of the palace.

    Addressing the program, Speaker Nemwang expressed great delight to be the part of the program organized to mark the 100 days countdown of summer Olympics which symbolizes international brotherhood and unity. "I am confident that international community who wishes for international solidarity are celebrating similar program throughout the world," he added.

    He also extended warm greetings to all the people of China who are celebrating the countdown event. "Through this program, we wish to share the happiness with our fellow brothers and sisters and also wish for the grand success of the Olympics event," he noted.

    Speaker Nemwang also expressed confidence that the countdown program of the Olympics will further enhance close relationship shared by Nepal and China. "I would like to extend our support towards prosperous, stable and peaceful China," he added.

    Also speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zheng expressed great joy over the enthusiasm displayed by Nepalese people for the success of the Olympics event. He said, enthusiasm of Nepalese for the Olympics also exhibits their affection towards Chinese people.

    Ambassador Zheng said although Nepal and China are separated by mountains and rivers but the people of the two countries share common sentiment. "Beijing Olympics will realize aspiration for common interest among people throughout the world," he added.

    He also expressed great pride that the Olympic torch rally will reach Mt. Qomolongma, the top of the world for the first time in the history which will be broadcasted live on the television.

    President of the NOC Dhurba Bahadur Pradhan said that the Nepalese people who share thousands of years of relationship with China are eagerly looking forward for the event. "We are proud that the Olympics event is taking place in our closest northern neighboring country for the first time and looking forward to see the grand success of the event," he added.

    Also speaking at the program, General Secretary of the NOC Jeevan Ram Shrestha said it was a great pride for Nepal to support the People's Republic of China for the grand success of the 29th summer Olympics. "Nepalese athletes as well as general people have launched a campaign for the success of the Olympics event," said Shrestha.