"I have said they (China) deserve to host the famous games as it is the most populous nation of the world. My position is the same despite the suppression in Tibet," he told a press conference.

"Olympic torch is part of the games and my attitude towards it is the same," the Dalai Lama said.

His comments assume significance as China is worried that Tibetans could cause trouble during the India-leg of the Olympic torch relay starting on April 17.

Chinese Embassy has conveyed its concern to the Indian Govt with a warning that the India-leg of the torch relay could be skipped if foolproof security was not assured.

Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yan even met Home Minister Shivraj Patil in this context two days back.

China's concerns were heightened after a group of Tibetans stormed into its Embassy on March 21, breaching the security cordon around the Mission.