Olympic torch arrives in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Olympic torch touched down the Indian soil tonight with colourfully dressed children receiving the flame here amid unprecedented security.

The torch, 72-centemetre long and weighing 985 grams, was flown here in a specially designed flight from Islamabad, its last stop before New Delhi.

The plane landed at Palam technical area at 1.10am. Colourfully dressed children, both Indian and Chinese, numbering about 30, were present at the airport to receive the flame.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, the Chinese Ambassodor Zhang Yan and Chinese embassy officials were present at the airport on the occasion.

A large number of security personnel were deployed to keep anti-chinese protesters at bay.

The torch relay, which was first put in place during 1936 Berlin Olympics, will be rolled out at the majestic Rajpath in the heart of the capital tomorrow afternoon.

Security akin to the Republic day parade has been put in place for the mega event in the wake of continuing protest by the Tibetans.