Sachin to carry the Olympic torch

8220;It8217;s a matter of great pride that the torch would pass through India. There is a big rush among the sportspersons to be part of it. Sachin Tendulkar called up this morning and asked if we would like him to carry the torch,8221; Kalmadi said.

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

Kalmadi, meanwhile, assured that with adequate security in place, the relay would go without any hiccup.

8220;Milkha Singh, Pullela Gopichand, Anju Bobby George 8211; they all would take part in the relay and I appreciate their enthusiasm. In fact, there is a big demand to include them and we would accommodate as many as possible.

8220;The torch relay is a matter of pride and we would ensure that no untoward incident takes place. Everything has been planned and there would be adequate security measures,8221; he said.

Asked if fool-proof security would make it difficult for the common people to get a glimpse of the torch, the IOA chief dispelled such fear and said, 8220;We are making adequate provision so that the common public and school students can watch it.8221;