The final countdown to the Commonwealth Games began with the arrival of Queen's Baton Relay in the national capital yesterday. The baton which was received by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna and Chief minister Sheila Dikshit at the organising committee headquarters will visit Delhi's prominent locations today and tomorrow before finally concluding at the Jawahar lal Nehru National Stadium on the day opening ceremony on Sunday.Today the baton will travel to Vijay Chowk, India Gate, Qutab Minar and Lotus temple. It will reach the Games Village tomorrow. Elaborate security arrangement are in place for the Queen's Baton Relay.At the Games village national flags of the contigents from 16 countries were hoisted amidst song, dance and celebration during the ongoing team welcome ceremonies at the village. The flag hoisting and welcome ceremony for the Indian contingent is scheduled for today.Over 80 percent of the participating athletes have already checked in at the Common Wealth Games village . With the arrival of more than 5500 athletes and delegates, the village is buzzing with activity. All athletes are practicing in the Games village for the mega track and field event. The main venue of the Games, Jawahar Lal Nehru stadium is also all set for the grand opening ceremony on Sunday. The Army will hand over the newly constructed Bailey foot overbridge outside the stadium to the authorities today. Army was called in to construct the bridge after has the 95-metre-long under-construction foot overbridge came crashing down on September 21. An army engineering regiment with nearly 1,000 men was deployed to construct the Bailey bridge which is a portable pre-fabricated bridge designed for use by military units.A special exhibition on Commonwealth Games was inaugurated by Vice president, Mr. Hamid Ansari in the national Capital yesterday. The exhibition titled 'Commonwealth: Upholding Sporting Tradition and Sporting Spirit' highlights the country's sporting tradition and the role of youth, through archival documents.It also depicts the history of host city Delhi with the aid of historical records, rare photographs and other contemporary material. Mr. Ansari urged the schools to bring students to the exhibition. The exhibition will be open for public viewing till 15th of October at the National Archives of India Museum.
News On AIR | October 1, 2010 9:11 AM
Queen's baton to go around prominent locations in Delhi