Delhi: India’s soccer captain Bhaichung Bhutia has refused to carry the Olympic torch during its run through the capital in protest against the Chinese crackdown on recent demonstrations in Tibet.

Bhutia, who is reported by Indian media to be the first athlete to refuse to run with the torch, faxed his decision to the Indian Olympic Association, a sports official said.

“This is my way of standing by the people of Tibet and their struggle. I abhor violence in any form,” The Times of India quoted him as saying.