Indian refuses to carry Olympic torch

India's football captain Baichung Bhutia has refused to carry the Olympic torch when it arrives in New Delhi on 17 April in protest at China's stance on Tibet.

Bhutia faxed his decision to the Indian Olympic Association on Monday after being selected to be one of the torch bearers when it reaches India.

‘I sympathise with the Tibetan cause,’ Bhutia, a Buddhist, told the Times of India. ‘I have many friends in Sikkim who follow Buddhism.

‘This is my way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle. I abhor violence in any form.’

The former Bury forward insisted it was a personal decision and he had not been encouraged by any groups.

‘This is an absolutely personal decision,’ he added. ‘I feel what's happening in Tibet is not right and in my small way I should show my solidarity.’