Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi is the unifying force for all, says OC Chairman

The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi (OC CWG Delhi 2010) Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, has said the Queen’s Baton Relay 2010 Delhi is the unifying force for all irrespective of caste and creed. Addressing a pre-event press conference on the occasion of the baton’s arrival to India through Wagah border on 25 June and inauguration of the Media Centre at the OC CWG Delhi 2010 headquarters he said baton is for everyone and is for the “aam aadmi”(common men).

“Friendship through sports is the theme of baton’s arrival at Wagah Border. The baton will unite the whole country as it will pass through all 28 states and 7 union territories covering a distance of 20,000 kilometres,” he said.

Mr. Kalmadi further added, “Our main focus will be on International Athletes as the baton will promote Olympic Sports’ culture in the country. All State Olympic Associations will organise cultural shows in the respective cities.”

Mr. Kalmadi thanked Pakistan Olympic Committee for its undying support. “Pakistan has supported us to the hill to get these Games”, he added.

The baton will arrive in India on 25 June 2010 through Wagah Border. Pakistan Olympic Committee’s President Lt-Gen Syed Arif Hassan will hand over the baton to Mr. Kalmadi. The baton will then be passed to the CGF President Mr. Mike Fennell, Delhi Chief Minister Ms. Sheila Dikshit, Governor of Pinjab Mr. Shivraj Patil, Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Prakash Singh Badal, Union Sports Secretary Ms. Sindhushree Khullar and Hero Honda CEO Mr. Pawan Munjal and other Batonbearers. There will be a colourful culture function at Wagah.

The baton will then embark a 20,000 kilometre long journey spanning 100 days. The baton will cover 400 cities and towns will pass through the hands of around 5,000 Batonbearers. A team of 90 people will accompany the baton in its journey across the country.

Started on 29 Oct 2010 from the Buckingham Palace in London, on 25 June, the baton will complete a journey across the globe covering a distance of 170,000 kilometres spanning in six regions of the Commonwealth viz., Europe, Africa, Caribbean, Americas, Oceania and Asia and visiting 69 nations and territories.

The baton will arrive in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi, on 3 October 2010 for the spectacular opening ceremony kick-starting t 12 days of sporting extravaganza.