Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

Torchbearer Yuan Longping(C) raises the torch during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Yueyang, central China's Hunan Province, June 3, 2008.   (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

"Father of Hybrid Rice" starts torch relay in Hunan

    YUEYANG, Central China, June 3 (Xinhua) -- Yuan Longping, the Chinese rice breeder hailed as "the Father of Hybrid Rice" in the country, carried the Olympic torch in front of Yueyang Tower, launching a three-day relay in Hunan province on Tuesday.

    The 13.8-kilometer Yueyang relay, run by 168 torchbearers, started from Yueyang Tower and passed Yueyang Viewing Gate, Dongting North Road, Dongting Lake Rim, Yueyang Avenue, City Government Square, City Stadium and South Lake Square.

    Yuan, 78, is a Chinese agricultural scientist and educator who bred the first hybrid rice varieties in the 1970s. His "hybrid rice" has since been grown in dozens of countries in Africa, America, and Asia -- providing a robust food source in high famine risk areas.

    "As the first torchbearer, I am so exciting and emotional," said Yuan after finishing his leg at 8:50 a.m. local time. "I hopethe Olympic spirit can be spread around the world and exert its profound influence to mankind."   Full story