Bollywood celebrities, politicians welcome marathon flame in Mumbai

Mumbai, Jan 10 (ANI): Bollywood celebrities, sportspersons and socialites gathered in Mumbai on Sunday to welcome the arrival of torch for the Marathon Flame from Athens.

The torch lit the Marathon Flame for the Mumbai Marathon to be staged in the city on January 17.

Champion marathon runner Maria Polyzou of Greece escorted the torch from Athens to India.

Bollywood actor John Abraham took the flame from Polyzou and later other numerous actors like Dino Morea, Pooja Bedi, Rahul Bose and former cricketer Vinod Kambli took part in the relay run of the torch, before it finally lit the Marathon Flame.

"I feel very fortunate that I got the opportunity to carry the flame, to run with the flame, how fantastic it is and what an honour, what a privilege," said Bollywood actor Pooja Bedi.

Member of Parliament (MP) Priya Dutt also participated in the torch relay.

Hundreds of enthusiasts lined up the streets to cheer the participants running with the torch.

"All of us have worked for Mumbai, we all prayed for Mumbai and today we have run for Mumbai. Since 26/11 and 22/7 (militant attacks) we have always made ourselves available for Mumbai," said Bollywood actor Rahul Bose.

Every year, the torch for the Marathon Flame is lit in Greece and then relayed across the world to the country hosting the event of World Marathon. (ANI)