The Indians in Beijing [Images] celebrated the Independence Day on Friday with Ambassador Nirupama Rao hoisting the tri-colour at a function at the embassy.

Indian Olympic [Images] Association president Suresh Kalmadi and other key Indian Olympic Association members also attended the ceremony.

Rao read out the speech of President Pratibha Patil [Images] in the presence of Kalmadi and other IOA members, including treasurer AK Mattoo, Rowing Federation chief KP Singh Deo and Chef de Mission K Murugan.

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Athletes were exempted from attending the programme, fearing it might affect their preparation.

Kalmadi later said it was a proud moment to see the tri-colour fluttering in Beijing.

"This was the second time that the Indian flag was hoisted in Beijing  the first came when Abhinav Bindra [Images] won the gold.

"Abhinav's gold would go a long way to promote Olympic sports and on this day, I urge the youngsters to take up Olympic sports," Kalmadi said.