Torchbearers of the Beijing Olympic Flame for the Indian leg vowed on Wednesday to run for the spirit of the games.
Shooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Abhinav Bindra said Olympic movement is for peace and should not be mixed with politics.
"Sports should not be mixed with politics. The Olympic movement is for peace and should remain like that. It is a moment of pride for me and I am looking forward to carry the torch tomorrow (Thursday)," Sandhu said.
"It is an honour for any sportsperson to carry the flame and nobody would like to miss it," said Sandhu, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award winner.
Bindra said that for him it was a lifetime opportunity and a dream come true. " The Olympic spirit inspires me to do well in my field."
Sarod player Ayan Ali Bangash, who is also a torchbearer, asked about Indian Sports Minister M.S. Gill saying that politicians and celebrities should not be invited for the torch relay and sportspersons alone should be the torchbearers, said: "Whether it is sports or any other field, hard work and dedication is required for success in life. The participation is for celebrating the human spirit and Olympic ideals."
Bindra too felt it was a needless controversy.
"The International Olympic Association guideline says that people from any walk of life can carry the flames and nobody should have a problem with it. As long as the torchbearers are recognized individuals and achievers in their respective field."
Para-Olympic bronze medallist in power lifting Rajinder Singh Rahelu said, "Politics and sports are two different things and it is better if they are kept apart".
Rahelu will carry the torch on his wheelchair.
Athlete P.T Usha and actor Sagarika Ghatge will also run in the relay.
(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2008)