Beijing Olympic torch relay in New Delhi a "success"

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

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.

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.