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Akshay Kumar, blazing a trail in Canada
Akshay Kumar's stint as an torch bearer for the 2010 Winter Olympics was cut short by protests even as his fans lined the streets in Toronto to catch a glimpse of the star. The 42-year-old actor helped carry the Olympic flame into Toronto on Thursday but could not finish his 300-metre run, as protesters blocked the street to highlight the treatment of Native Indians by the Canadian government.
The protests caused a one-hour-delay and the officials had to divert the route.
Hundreds of policemen intervened to remove the agitators who kept shouting slogans of 'No Olympics', against the holding of the sports extravaganza on lands taken away from the original natives of Canada.
Akshay was one of the 14 torchbearers for the Winter Olympics which will be held in Vancouver between February 12-28 and his involvement was announced by the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper during his two-day India visit.
Akshay Kumar, blazing a trail in Canada
Akshay is seen here flanked by his close friend and President of Cargojet, Ajay Virmani, and Andrrew Clark, head of Canada Tourist Corporation, during a media briefing at Royal York Hotel in Toronto.
Akshay said he was honoured to have been chosen as a torch bearer, adding that Canada was like a 'second home to him.'
"I'm here because I love sports," he explained of his involvement, adding that he plans to be in Vancouver for the games and is hoping to be able to get some tickets to a hockey game or two.
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