Indian Olympic Association shortens torch relay route

The original route from Red Fort to India Gate covering 8 to 9 kms has been shortened to 2 to 3 kms and the details of the redrawn path are being worked out.The details of the new route would be announced soon, PTI reported here quoting Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Secretary General Randhir Singh.The decision to cut short the route comes after Tibetan protestors threatened to disrupt the relay.The protestors had last month stormed the heavily-guarded Chinese embassy leading to a strong reaction in Beijing, where the Indian ambassador was summoned twice to register the protest.Meanwhile, Bhaichung Bhutia's pullout from the relay in support of the Tibetan cause has not affected the long list of celebrities willing to carry the torch.Randhir Singh said over 50 eminent personalities from various fields have been invited to run the relay and confirmations were pouring in."We have got confirmations from a lot of celebrities," he said. --IRNA

Source: Mathaba