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Indian Soccer Captain Refuses to Carry the Torch

The captain of India’s national soccer team Bhaichung Bhutia has informed the Indian Olympic Association that he will not carry the Olympic torch during its planned procession through Delhi. “This is my way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle,” he was quoted as saying in The Times Of India." he stated.

A Buddhist, from the northeastern state of Sikkim which borders Tibet, Bhaichung Bhutia is one of India's top athletes. His refusal to carry the torch is a slap in the face to the Chinese government. His refusal increaes Chinese concerns about whether Indian authorities will be – or able – to stop Tibetan activists from disrupting the torch’s procession through Delhi on April 17.

The torch relay through India is a delicate issue for China. Chinese authorities have held several meetings with Indian authorities in order to discuss security measures. India is home to 100,000 Tibetan refugees. H.H. the Dalai Lama resides in Dharamsala, where the government of Tibet in exile is located. 

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