Baichung Bhutia and Kiran Bedi's refusal notwithstanding, the Olympic torch relay continues to draw celebrities, with sharpshooters Manavjit Singh Sandhu and Abhinav Bindra joining the April 17 run with the flame.
According to a statement from Samsung, the Olympic torch relay partner, sprint queen P T Usha, physically challenged powerlifter Rajinder Singh Rahelu, actor Sagarika Ghatge of Chak De! India fame and sarod player Ayaan Ali Khan will also join the run.
"I am honoured to be a part of the Beijing 2008 Olympics Torch Relay. I will be taking part in the run with joy and sportsman spirit," Usha was quoted as saying in the statement.
Manavjit too was excited about joining the relay. The ace shooter said, "Carrying the Olympic Torch is indeed a matter of great pride and privilege for any individual. As a sportsman, I feel very honoured to be given the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch and promote the Olympic movement in the country."
His shooting colleague Bindra said the relay will "fuel the interest in Olympics" among Indian masses and promote the Olympic movement.
Rahelu, who will carry the torch on his wheelchair, said the "Olympic Spirit is all about striving to reach higher goals" and by carrying the torch he would like to inspire others to overcome obstacles and aim higher.