Preparations for the 16th Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Games reached a milestone on April 30 — the torch relay, integrating technological innovation and grassland culture, is set to kick off in July.

A highlight of the event is the debut of the world's first rare earth torch. Serving as a unique ambassador for Baotou, the "world capital of rare earths", it will embark on a journey that blends sportsmanship with the city's charm.

This special torch integrates Baotou's regional and industrial features. According to Yang Meng, a representative of the torch relay, rare earth elements are incorporated into the torch's manufacturing process. This not only gives the torch a distinctive identity but also enhances its physical properties, including high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance, ensuring reliable performance throughout the relay.

The torch will be lit on July 1 at Saikhantal Urban Grassland, adopting the ancient method of concentrating sunlight with a concave mirror. It will travel across all 10 banners and districts of Baotou from July 21 to Aug 8, with each leg covering approximately 1.6 kilometers, showcasing the city's historical heritage, industrial legacy, and natural ecology. The torch will then complete the indoor relay and ultimately light the main cauldron at the Games' opening ceremony.

The journey will be undertaken by 165 torchbearers from Inner Mongolia. Selected through organizational recommendation and political review, they are outstanding representatives, including elite athletes, model workers, entrepreneurs, and scientific and innovative talents, carrying the torch to pass on dreams and glory and ignite passion for the Games.