Sachin, don’t run

Sachin’s refusal will help
How can the Games be held in a country that is violating human rights? Peaceful Tibetan protestors are being assaulted and oppressed.

People of Tibet need global support. Many countries have condemned the Chinese regime for using force to suppress the movement. Protestors have requested celebrities and sportspersons to boycott the torch relay.

Sachin Tendulkar is a prominent cricket player and is respected the world over. His refusal to carry the torch will help the Tibetan cause. However, only Sachin can decide what he wants to do.   
 —Kesang Bhutia

Follow Baichung Bhutia’s example
China is a powerful nation but that does not mean we should allow it to carry on with the injustice. Tibetans have long been fighting peacefully for their freedom.

But the Chines government has been using force to crush their peaceful endeavors. It is high time that people of Tibet got back their freedom.

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar can draw attention to the issue by refusing to carry the Olympic torch. He has many fans across the globe. People admire him and respect him. Sachin's decision to endorse the Tibetan cause will be a shot in the arm for Tibetan protestors.

Indian soccer star Baichung Bhutia's refusal made people take note of the ongoing atrocities in Tibet. Sachin too should follow in Bhutia's footsteps and help the people of Tibet by refusing to carry the torch. In fact, I believe that Olympics Games should not be held in China at all. The Games should be held in India.     
 —Kunga Jime

Sachin shouldn’t carry the torch
Sachin Tendulkar should not carry the Olympic torch. He has a tremendous fan following. He is not just a sportsman, he is an idol. Children want to be like him.

Despite the ongoing protests, most Indians are either unaware about the issue or they do not attach much importance. Sachin's refusal to carry the torch will make people sit up and take note.

Tibetans have long been protesting against the oppression meted out to them by the Chinese government. If people in France can understand their plight and support the Tibetan cause then why are Indians shying away from taking a stand?    
 —Eden Shyodhi

Set an example for others to follow
I am not against the Olympics Games but I am opposed to the venue. Olympic Games symbolise friendship between nations. It is, therefore, ironical that the Games are being held in a country which is being accused of human rights violations and suppression of Tibetan rights.

It is Sachin Tendulkar's right to decide whether he wishes to carry the Olympic torch or not. As a Tibetan, I am disappointed with his decision. I appreciate the stand taken by Indian soccer star Baichung Bhutia. Sportspersons command a lot of respect and admiration.

They are expected to condemn oppression and stand for justice. They should set an example for other people. People should stand for the truth.  If a celebrity endorses a cause then the issue gets a lot of attention. Tibetans have been fighting for their freedom for sometime now. The issue is getting more publicity after stars such as Baichung Bhutia, actor Rechard Gere, filmmaker Steven Spielberg  and actress Mia Farrow expressed their solidarity with the Tibetan cause and decided to boycott the Games.
 —Dolma Tenring

Tibetans need Sachin’s support
I am a member of the Tibetan Student Association of Pune. Sachin Tendulkar should decline the offer to carry the Olympic torch. We must stand for the truth. Tibet was once an independent kingdom and was later violently occupied by China.

Thousands of Tibetans protesting the Chinese oppression are being captured and assaulted by the Chinese government. People of Tibet need our support. I know that Sachin's refusal to carry the Olympic torch will mean some other celebrity will be asked to do the honours. But Sachin is a legend and cricket is like a religion to Indians. It will have an impact.     
 —Tenzin Wangchuk

Sachin must oppose the injustice
India is a democratic country and Sachin Tendulkar has the right to decide whether he wants to carry the Olympic torch or not.

Tibetans are facing blatant human right violations at the hands of the Chinese regime. This is against the basic tenets of the Games. The Olympics Games are all about equality and human dignity.

Many people try to shrug off their responsibility by saying that one should not mix sports and politics. But how can we close our eyes to the crimes against Tibetan protestors?

China is hosting the Olympics Games to show off its prosperity and economic power. It is the Chinese government that is mixing sports with politics to win global allies.
Each and every sportsman should realise that injustice is being done to the people of Tibet. They must understand the truth before buying the Chinese version.     
 —Lobsang

Tibetans are fighting alone
Most of us are aware about the violent oppression of peaceful Tibetan protestors in China. Tibetans are fighting a lone battle for their freedom against the powerful Chinese regime. I think people of India can identify with the Tibetan plight.

Tibet's battle for freedom mirrors the Indian freedom struggle. India succeeded in freeing itself from the British Empire. It is time that India lent a helping hand to Tibet.

Indian soccer player Baichung Bhutia has displayed courage by boycotting the torch relay. I appreciate his gesture. Bhutia has shown the way. People of Tibet now need support from all quarters.

We all must join forces and help them stand against the Chinese oppression. Tibet and India are neighbours. How can we ignore the torture Tibetans are being subjected to?  Celebrities such as Sachin Tendulkar and Aamir Khan have many admirers and people tend to follow their cue. Their refusal to carry the torch will put the spotlight on the Tibetan cause.      
 —Tenzin Tsundue. General secretary, Friends of Tibet

Celebs should use their fame for justice
I  don't think it is right on the part of Indians to carry the Olympic torch and endorse the Games. A renowned cricketer such as Sachin Tendulkar should use his fame to highlight the plight of Tibetans. He should refuse to carry the torch.

By doing so, Sachin will not only support the people of Tibet but will also condemn human rights violations. It is not China that I am against. I oppose the brutal suppression of Tibetan protestors.

When prominent people and celebrities stand up for justice, it definitely creates a lasting impact. People of Tibet need global support in their freedom struggle. Celebrities can highlight the issue by refusing to associate with the Beijing Olympics.    
 —Sonam Wangthuk