...
...
Next Story

Tibet and Olympic shouldn't be mixed: Paes

Indian Davis Cup captain Leander Paes feels that boycotting Olympic torch relay for political reasons is not right.

Updated on: Apr 09, 2008 06:12 PM IST
Advertisement

Indian Davis Cup captain Leander Paes, who has been invited for the Olympic torch relay, said he has not yet made up his mind in this regard but feels boycotting the event for political reasons was not right.

HT Image
HT Image

Paes, who would be participating in his fifth Olympics in Beijing, said the protests over China's handling of the Tibet issue should not have targeted the relay, which stands for peace and harmony.

"Olympics is very dear to my heart and I have been invited to carry the torch. Whether I accept it or not, you would know soon," Paes told reporters ahead of the Davis Cup tie against Japan starting on Friday.

When asked whether the disruptions along the relay's international route by Tibetan and human rights activists were justified, Paes said the Games should not have been embroiled in the controversies.

"We have to recognise that there is a difference between the Olympic movement and the Tibetan movement... Mixing them is not correct. The Games are most important," he said.

Meanwhile, the Japanese team when asked about the issue, chose to keep mum.

 
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe