Rediff

New Delhi, Apr 8: The Indian leg of the Olympic Torch relay received a shot in the arm on Monday with champion cricketer Sachin Tendulkar volunteering to join the April 17 run in Delhi.

Indian Olympic Association president Suresh Kalmadi confirmed Tendulkar's participation in the relay, which is witnessing protests by pro-Tibetan supporters worldwide.

"It's a matter of great pride that the torch will pass through India. There is a big rush among sportspersons to be part of it. Sachin Tendulkar called up this morning and asked if we would like him to carry the torch," Kalmadi said.

India's football team captain Baichung Bhutia turned down an invitation to run with the flame, expressing solidarity with pro-Tibetan activists.

Kalmadi, meanwhile, assured that with adequate security in place, the relay would go on without any hiccup.

"Milkha Singh, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George -- they all will take part in the relay and I appreciate their enthusiasm. In fact, there is a big demand to include them and we will accommodate as many as possible.

"The torch relay is a matter of pride and we will ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Everything has been planned and there will be adequate security measures," he said.

Asked if fool-proof security will make it difficult for the common people to get a glimpse of the torch, the IOA chief dispelled such fear and said, "We are making adequate provision so that the common public and school students can watch it."