MARCH 24, OLYMPIA (GREECE): A Free Tibet protestor is arrested by Greek police during the start of the Olympic torch relay. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

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Sure, the stuff about world peace is grandstanding. But I like the interlocking rings, the oath, the tension when an athlete realises his four years of sweat are about to be judged in the next 30 seconds.

I like the quaint torch relay, it's traditional - but so is peaceful protest.

If there is a sadness, it is that in the midst of the recent shouting and scuffling during this year's torch relay over vital issues, the essential idea behind the flame's journey has been somewhat obscured.

Not everyone is impressed by the torch relay. They see it as a gimmick and they are not without an argument.

The torch has once been taken underwater and this year it is expected to ascend Mount Everest, clearly the height of silliness.

More tellingly, the torch has been partially taken out of the hands of those who define it, the athletes. The waddling film star or TV presenter with torch in hand makes the relay look more like a celebrity run.

But for all that, the torch still carries a powerful symbolism, its value has not corroded. Its dancing, constantly-lit flame signifies hope and the undying spirit of the universal athlete.

There is something fine, too, about the passing of the flame: from hand to hand, from nation to nation, a handshake of fellowship that strikes a chord within us.

We are not one world because of the torch relay, but we are, in a slight, sweet way, a briefly connected world.

The flame on the move is a moment children should witness, for being an Olympian athlete is worth aspiring to. But roads these days are lined more with stoic policemen than eager children. It is a pity.

No doubt the impact of the Games can be overstated, yet it remains a unique gathering, a fantastic idea.

At no other time do so many people, from so many nations, of so many colours and religions, come together in one place with peaceful intent.

The torch, and the relay, are an advertisement of this gathering; they ask us to believe in the idea at least that sport is somewhat noble. Despite the steroid-swallowing, the jingoism, the Olympics has not lost its scent of romance.

I don't think peaceful protests should be outlawed, for democracy is a far greater idea than the Olympics. Moreover, the issue with protesters is not the Games but the host.

Regardless, the torch deserves unmolested passage through nations and its friendly message does not deserve to go unheard. This flame, after all, does not belong only to Beijing, but to all of us.

rohitb@sph.com.sg

TORCH RELAY REPORTS, ASIA

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