He Dalai Lama He said on Saturday that he was recovering from knee surgery and was feeling well “physically fit”dismissing rumours about his health on his 89th birthday.

“I recently had knee surgery which has caused me some problems. However, I am getting better and now I have no problems,” the spiritual leader said. Tibetan Buddhism in exile in a video message from the United States, where he is recovering.

“There may be people who are trying to confuse you about my health by saying that the Dalai Lama has gone to the hospital, is undergoing treatment, etc., creating the impression that my condition is serious. This misinformation should not be trusted.” he claimed.

The winner of the competition was the Dalai Lama, a charismatic figure who popularized Buddhism throughout the world. Nobel Peace Prize 1989. for supporting the Tibetan cause in exile. He fled to India in 1959, nine years after China sent troops into the Himalayan region in 1950, claiming it was liberating Tibetan “serfs.”

As the spiritual leader ages and struggles with health issues, appointment of his successor has become a hot topic for Tibetans fighting for greater autonomy for China or complete independence. Tibetan Buddhists believe that learned monks are reborn as newborns after death.

Dalai Lama says he will clarify succession issues -including whether and where he will be reincarnated- around his 90th birthday.