TOKYO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda said Friday that it is "a shame" that the Olympic torch relay has become the target of political protesters.

　　"There is nothing wrong with the torch relay itself," Takeda was quoted by media as saying.

　　He ruled out the possibility of any changes for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay scheduled for April 26 in the central Japanese city of Nagano.

　　"The best thing is to do it as planned," said Takeda, adding that the Japanese Olympic Committee is ready to carry on the Olympic flame relay despite any interference.