New Delhi, Apr 4 :The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is busy deliberating on the route the Olympic torch will take through the country.
"We have discussed about the routes, but we are yet to finalize on that. Once the decision is taken, it would be made public. Fifty sportsmen will participate in this run. Security precautions will be there definitely. It is an Olympic torch, a global torch relay and it will be monitored by the International Olympic Committee," said Suresh Kalmadi, the President of the Indian Olympic Association.
The country's football captain, Bhaichung Bhutia, a Buddhist, has already refused to carry the Olympic torch in protest against China's actions to suppress the unrest in Tibet.
Kalmadi termed the decision of Bhutia as a personal one, but assured the participation of other sportsmen in carrying the torch.
"Baichung Bhutia has sent a letter to me that he will not participate. It is his personal decision. We respect it, but the rest of the sportsmen will participate in carrying the Olympic torch," Kalmadi said.
Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan remained committed to participating in the event despite receiving several requests to boycott the Olympic torch relay, as he wanted to keep the Beijing Olympics separate from the issue of human rights violations.
Meanwhile, the Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Anand Sharma, has assured Beijing of smooth and safe Olympics torch relay in India.
The torch will reach New Delhi on April 17 after a 130-day relay.
It has already reached Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, its first stop on the international leg.
The flame's next stop over is Istanbul. It is due to reach Beijing on August 6. (ANI)
Similar
- New Zealand diplomats fear terror attack ahead of Commonwealth Games
- Oz cricket officials pushing for use of umpire referrals in India series
- Supreme Court notice to cricket board on IPL franchise
- OC officials visit stadiums to check facilities
- Kolkata Knight Riders sign 6’10 giant Pak fast bowler on Akram’s recommendation
US News
- Sun Pharma Gets FDA Nod To Sell Nasal Spray Astelin In US Market
- Bharti Airtel Gets Hold Of 49% Stake In Qualcomm India broadband
- Facebook IPO issue must be reviewed, says U.S. financial regulators
- Brooklyn to investigate witness intimidation in abuse cases
- Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy's & Aurobindo Get USFDA Authorization To Market Generic Cardiac Drug
Rome, May 28 : The captain of the Italian football club Lazio has been arrested amid investigations in connection to match-fixing scandal. 
London, May 28 : Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany has expressed his hope of making an impact at the Saturday's England v/s Belgium friendly, after not being slotted in for the Euro 2012 squad. 
London, May 28 : Former England cricketer Adam Hollioake has revealed that his friends and family were surprised when he chose the gentleman's game over rugby and boxing as his profession. 
Islamabad, May 28 : Pakistan cricketer Wajahatullah Wasti has said the Twenty20 format has caused a lot of damage to the techniques of opening batsmen. 
Sydney, May 18 : Australian professional motorcycle racer, two-time MotoGP world champion, Casey Stoner, announced that he will retire from Grand Prix racing at the 
Pune, April 30 - Veer Patel of Baroda steered his Honda CRF 250 with much panache to clinch the title in the showpiece Foreign Open class ahead of defending champion Aravind KP in the 2012 National Supercross championship here.