New Delhi: India football captian Bhaichung Bhutia’s decision to not participate in the Olympic torch relay has sparked a flurry of reactions.
One of India's greatest athletes, Olympian Milkha Singh has asked Bhutia to rethink his decision.
“I read Bhutia’s statement in papers. He is a renowned player but I feel politics should not be mixed with sport. In my view, sportsmen should stay away from politics. I am participating in the torch relay and Bhutia should also rethink his decision. The Central Government must take up the Tibet issue and resolve it so that our teams can participate in the Olympics,” he said.
Former Delhi police commissioner Kiran Bedi – who will be one of the torchbearers – too said there were “other ways of expressing solidarity with a cause”. She said Olympics torch should not be made an issue.
Bhaichung reacted to the remarks and told CNN-IBN his decision was “personal”.
“Decision not to carry Olympic torch is entirely personal, not political. I am not doing this on behalf of any organisation or group. I'm not even asking others to join me. Not carrying the Olympic torch was an obvious decision for me as I am against the violence and oppression in Tibet," he said.
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