Bhutia's solidarity gesture for Tibet, says no to torch relay

Indian football captain Baichung Bhutia is the latest to join the Tibetan movement to show his solidarity towards the Tibetan protests as he refused to participate in the Olympic torch relay run when it arrives in country’s capital on April 17.

Even the Olympic torch has just started its long journey its flames are erupting across the world thorough the protests connecting it with Tibet. The protestors from across the world were doing their bit to emphasise the Tibetan viewpoint.

Bhutia’s decision to not to participate in the torch run was informed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Monday through a fax after he was being chosen for the torch relay by IOA.

Baichung Bhutia told Times of India, "I identify myself with the Tibetan cause as I have many friends in Sikkim who follow Buddhism. This is my way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle. I abhor violence in any form."

Bhutia who himself is a devout Buddhist has asserted that he was not forced by any group to pull out. ‘‘This is an absolutely personal decision. I feel what’s happening in Tibet is not right and in my small way I should show my solidarity,’’ Bhutia reiterated.

Earlier in February, Hollywood famous director Steven Spielberg withdrew as an artistic adviser to the Olympics over China’s support to the Sudanese government. French President Nicolas Sarkozy said last week that he did not rule out France boycotting the games if the situation in Tibet worsened.