Queen’s Baton Reaches India

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NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Only a few months are there before the Commonwealth Games 2010 starts in the capital of India and the countdown has started. After covering over 1,70,000 km as well as 70 countries, the historic Queen’s Baton has reached India. It came through Pakistan’s Wagah border today. The Olympic Association officials of Pakistan led by Arif Hassan gave the baton to the Indian authorities. Prominent political personalities like Prakash Singh Badal,Chief Minister of Punjab and New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit were present at the border during the handover. Suresh Kalmadi, Indian Olympic Association’s president was also present at the place. Now this Baton will be made to cover seven union territories and 28 states of the country.

The Queen’s Baton will finally reach New Delhi just three days prior to the commencement of the much anticipated event. The Queen’s Baton Rally was started by Queen Elizabeth II last year in October 29 at the Buckingham Palace and Pratibha Patil, the Indian president was also there. The baton was received by Suresh Kalmadi and was passed on to dignitaries including Vijender Singh, Olympic bronze medalist and Commonwealth Games Federation CEO Mike Hooper.

The promotional events for the Commonwealth Games 2010 have started across the country and the Queen’s Baton will fuel the promotions. However, some people are of the opinion that building the required infrastructure for the event in Delhi is far from complete. However, Suresh Kalmadi refuted the claims and said that the event will take place in Delhi at the pre-set time without any hiccups. He also said that the game will go a long way in improving the relations between Indian and Pakistan.