Rahul hasn’t received invite from IOA: Sources

Rahul Gandhi has not received any invite from the Indian Olympic Association seeking his participation in the torch relay.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has not received any invite from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) seeking his participation in the torch relay, sources close to him said.

IOA President Suresh Kalmadi has said that besides Gandhi, he has invited young Parliamentarians Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada and Sachin Pilot to participate in the Olympic Torch relay in New Delhi on April 17.

“Rahul has not received any invitation to participate in the torch relay,” the sources said. About 50 personalities, including young politicians and film stars, will participate in the torch relay

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Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has pulled out of the run with the flame, expressing his solidarity with the pro-Tibetan activists.

Country’s first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi too withdrew saying the massive security build-up has robbed the event of the spirit of freedom and harmony that it stands for.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to be a part of the run, which will also feature former athlete Milkha Singh, shuttler Pullela Gopichand and long-jumper Anju Bobby George.