> Olympic Torch Journey

medpal

I just cant understand how aamir qualifies as the olympic torch bearer.

He hasnt done anything that great even in the field of films which grants him worldwide recognition.

The organisers of Indian leg of Torch relay are just populist bunch of fools who does not know about importance of the event and pull any one to raise the torch.

I am in general against the involvement of politics in sports/ culture / religion. But you cant ignore some gross events and facts.

The was torch is getting protests everywhere in world, today morning i even saw protests banners engulfing Golden Gate Bridge in Sanfransisco.

My gut feelings say this event is going to witness boycott like it was the case in 1980. And if that happens in leadership of France, I will support withdrawal of India too. Its time now our politicians raise their head sternly, strongly and say that we do take notice of events happening around us.

Private Ryan

Much ado about nothing..

Safin

My gut feelings say this event is going to witness boycott like it was the case in 1980. And if that happens in leadership of France, I will support withdrawal of India too. Its time now our politicians raise their head sternly, strongly and say that we do take notice of events happening around us.

Well common sense says we should support Tibet. For two reasons
1) China is not our friend.
2) Tibet is our friend and we have been the biggest supporters of Tibet cause in the world.

Unfortunately, politics and regional strategic concerns would mean that we will do nothing. Sad but i don't see government of India taking any strong steps.

Private Ryan

not as long as those freakin commies form a part of the present government.

Besides, we have to accept this fact tht things wudnt change even after elections next year..

India is simply not capable enuf to handle china or make statements against it.
Thts why, the government prefers to refrain from making any statements on tibet.

I somehow seem to agree with our stand too.Its their internal matter.We cant pretty much do anything about it. In fact, not evn the mighty US of A can do anything about it. So they prefer to keep quite on the matter too..

No one wants to wake up the sleeping red dragon..

Safin

The torch journey in US was no different.
Route changes, scuffles mark Olympic torch relay - CNN.com

Heavy security surrounded runners taking part in the controversial Olympic torch relay in San Francisco Wednesday, as the threat of violent protests prompted officials to make dramatic last-minute changes.
art.torch2.ap.jpg

Plans to hold a waterfront closing ceremony were abruptly canceled.

Thousands of people who had gathered at Justin Herman Park to watch, to support China or to protest China's record on human rights and its crackdown in Tibet began leaving the site.

The announcement came during a day in which the torch's trek through the city was shortened and its path altered to try to minimize the chances that protesters would mar the event.

Anti-Chinese protesters and Beijing supporters lined the streets along the planned route hours ahead of the start of the relay.

There were several scuffles between police and demonstrators along the route. One torchbearer also got into trouble by displaying a Tibetan flag.

"The Chinese security and cops were on me like white on rice, it was no joke," Majora Carter told the AP. "They pulled me out of the race, and then San Francisco police officers pushed me back into the crowd on the side of the street."

naomi

"It is true that the Olympics is all about excellence in sports. But in this case, China is

using it as a tool to show the world their power in terms of economy and politics. If they

can do it, why can't the Tibetans use this as a platform for their struggle? It is not as

if the world has come to their rescue in the past. This is the only way out for them. And

more importantly, let us not forget that sports is not more important than humanity. In

fact, nothing is. If there are constant, planned and deliberate violations of human rights

by China, then the hosting of Olympics by them is an insult to the games. It is indeed a

sad day for the world !

Safin

You are right in a way.
Why should the chinese have an objection to the protests. I guess cos they have not seen a democracy at work

Protests have their on advantages and disadvantages though as any democratic society will tell

Btw news just out, Sachin won't be running after all and he has withdrawn from the Olymic torch relay citing injury.

Agnel

Injury? Hmmm... I wonder what it could be