New Delhi: The sportspersons and celebrities who pulled out from the Olympics torch relay on Thursday missed out being part of a historic moment and their move did not affect the event, India Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi said.
Kalmadi was a relieved man after the relay passed off successfully. "Those who pulled out missed out being part of a great moment. They lost the opportunity to lay hands on the hallowed torch," he said.
"I thank all the top sportspersons who ran today," he said.
Football captain Bhaichung Bhutia was the first to pull out of the relay, citing his concern for the Tibetan movement. Former top police officer Kiran Bedi was the next to withdraw and said she did not want to run amid stifling security measures.
Cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar could not find time out of their engagements while shooter Jaspal Rana and sarod player Ayan Ali pulled out at the last minute citing personal reasons.
A host of leading sportspersons were not invited for the run but Kalmadi promised all those who could not be accommodated Thursday would be given a chance during the Commonwealth Games.
"There were many who wanted to be part of the relay but we could not take in everybody. We will accommodate all those sportsperson in the torch relay of the Commonwealth Games 2010."
Sports Minister M S Gill, who was also present on the occasion, said the torch symbolises "unity and brotherhood" and India has welcomed it with warm heart.
He also hoped India would bring a handful of medals in the Beijing Olympics.
’No sporting spirit’
Star sportspersons who participated in the Beijing Olympic Flame relay in the capital Thursday felt that the sporting touch was missing as the stifling security measures prevented common citizens from savouring the occasion.
India's leading sportspersons and a host of celebrities took part in the torch relay that lasted for just about 30 minutes to cover a distance of 2.3 km. There were only a handful of schoolchildren, around 50 Chinese, and some cheerleaders of the sponsors to witness the event in the heart of New Delhi.
Even the large media contingent was kept at a safe distance and had to go through frisking at three places before being allowed into the press enclosure.
"There should have been more children running along with the torch. That would have been great to watch and children would have loved it. The security was also an important part and I am happy that the ceremony passed off without any untoward incident," former hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay said.
Long jumper Anju Bobby George agreed. "The security was very heavy and so the common people could not watch the relay. It got affected a bit that way, but then the security was around because of a reason. Safety of the flame was important," she said.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) secretary general Randhir Singh said: "It was unfortunate that people could not be allowed inside but I am sure they must have watched it on television."
Estranged tennis partners Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi carried the flame hand in hand at the historic India Gate amid huge applause.
"They (Leander and Mahesh) are going to play together in the Olympics for the country, and we brought them together here," IOA president Suresh Kalmadi said.
"The torch travelled to India after going around the whole world. The IOA was determined to keep up the spirit of the Olympics. We are happy that the relay was successful," Kalmadi said.
Milkha Singh, P T Usha, Nandi Singh, Madhumita Bisht, Bhadur Singh, Shiny Wils.
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