Beijing Olympic torch relay in New Delhi a "success"

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-18-2008 08:34

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, the 11th leg of the Olympic torch relay successfully finished in New Delhi.

Torchbearer Amir Khan runs with the torch  during the torch relay in New Delhi, India,  April 17, 2008. New Delhi is the 11th stop  of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay  outside the Chinese mainland.(Xinhua Photo)

The New Delhi leg torch relay began at 4:45pm local time on the Raj Path, and ended peacefully at the India Gate 45 minutes later.

About 70 participants from all walks of life, including four Chinese runners, were involved in this leg of the relay.

The 2.3-kilometer journey began when the torch was lit by Indian Olympic Association chief Suresh Kalmadi. A cauldron was later lit at the India Gate.

Suresh Kalmadi said today's torch relay was a success. He said the Olympic spirit is universal and should be upheld by the whole world.

The cauldron is lit after the torch relay in New Delhi, India,  April 17, 2008. New Delhi is the 11th stop of the 2008 Beijing  Olympic Games torch relay outside the Chinese mainland. (Xinhua Photo)

During the torch relay, more than 400 overseas Chinese people performed the traditional lion-dance to celebrate the occasion.

India put extra security measures in place to ensure the success of the torch relay.

The country's Home Ministry said about 15-thousand security guards were deployed along the relay route at. Traffic on all roads leading to Rajpath was restricted or cordoned off. The Home Ministry ordered that all buildings along the route be sealed off until six pm local time.

Indian police say some Tibet separatists tried to sabotage the torch relay. About 180 separatists were detained.