New Delhi, Apr 9: Rahul Gandhi, along with a few other young Parliamentarians, has been invited to run with the Olympic torch when it reaches the capital on April 17.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi, who is in China, told PTI that invitation had been sent to Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada and Sachin Pilot and he himself would personally call them on his return.

"About 50 personalities, including young politicians and film stars, will participate in the torch relay. I have sent letters to Rahul Gandhi, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Jitin Prasada and Sachin Pilot," Kalmadi said from Beijing.

"After coming back to the country I will meet them and invite them personally," the IOA chief said.

He said the step to invite political personalities has been taken at the behest of the organisers.

"They want people from all walks of life to take part in the relay. That's why we have invited the young MPs," he said.

Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has pulled out of the run with the flame, expressing his solidarity with the pro-Tibetan activists, while country's first woman IPS officer Kiran Bedi too withdrew saying the massive security build-up has robbed the event of the spirit of freedom and harmony that it stands for.

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to be a part of the run, which will also feature former athlete, Milkha Singh, shuttler Pullela Gopichand and long-jumper Anju Bobby George.