The Queen's Baton Relay today arrived in India from Pakistan through Wagah Border in Punjab. The Chairman of the Common Wealth games, CWG, Organising Committee Suresh Kalmadi, received the baton from Pakistan Olympic Association President Lt Gen Syed Arif Hassan at the international border. The Commonwealth Games Federation chief Mike Fennell was also present on the occasion.The QBR, which was launched by Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace in London in October last year in the presence of Indian President Pratibha Patil. The baton will now travel across the country before it arrives in New Delhi for the Games from October 3 to 14.With this, the baton will be soon ending its journey, covering 71 nations and territories across the world.Speaking on the occasion Shri Kalmadi said it's a great day for sports in India. He said the baton has gone 170,000 kms all around the Commonwealth and we have received it in a very big manner. Following this he passed on the baton to a host of dignitaries including CGF CEO Mike Hooper,Olympic bronze medallist boxer Vijender Singh and four-time world champion woman boxer M C Mary Kom. Among others who were present at the relay included Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and a host of top politicians and bureaucrats.
News On AIR | June 25, 2010 2:20 PM