A handful of pullouts could not rob Olympic’s torch relay off its sheen and on the contrary those who skipped the relay missed a chance to be part of history, says Suresh Kalmadi, president, Indian Olympic Association.“India sent out a signal to the world by successfully hosting the relay and withdrawals by a few people could not affect the show “, said relieved Kalmadi, after the Delhi leg of the relay went without any hiccup."Those who pulled out, missed out something. They lost the opportunity to lay hands on the hallowed torch. It was they who missed out something, we did not," he asserted."I thank all the top sportsmen who ran today," he added. Football captain Bhaichung Bhutia, cricketers SunilGavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, shooter Jaspal Rana and sarod player Ayan Ali pulled out of the event citing various reasons.The capital sent out a message by successfully hosting the event, felt Kalmadi. "With this, we sent the message that we are ready to host the 2020 Olympic Games," he said.The IOA chief admitted the security was heavy but said he could not help it."As host of the 2010 Commonwealth Games we had an extra responsibility to ensure that the relay passes without any untoward incident. Under these circumstances, it was a grand show," he said. Beijing Olympic Games Organising Committee Vice Chairman Jiang Xiaoyu was naturally elated after the hiccup-free run, for which he profusely thanked the Delhiites."The organisation was excellent and I thank all the runners who took part in the rally, besides the organisers. We are committed to a people's Olympic in Beijing and I wish the Indian athletes all the best for Beijing," he said.He also handed over a certificate to Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit for hosting the relay. Among the participants, 'Flying Sikh' Milkha Singh felt everyone should have come forward to support the relay."Whether you are a cricketer or a footballer, everyone should have taken part in the relay," he added.Mercurial hockey forward Dhanraj Pillay felt the show would have been even a bigger success had common people been allowed to take part in the relay."Running with the children would have been great fun. But then you need to ensure proper security to such a high profile event," he said.Long-jumper Anju Bobby George also shared Pillay's view and said, "the fool-proof security did discourage the crowd but you had to ensure that the relay goes without any glitch."
