100 Days to Go to Commonwealth Games!
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The Queen's Baton 2010 Delhi has arrived in India! The long wait came to an end as Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) President Lt. Gen. Arif Hassan handed over the baton to Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, Chairman, Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi and IOA President at the historic Wagah Border between India and Pakistan.
A colourful ceremony marked the baton’s arrival as this was the first major event of the XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi on Indian soil.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kalmadi said, "It's a great day for sports in India. The baton has gone 170,000 kilometres all around the Commonwealth. We have received it in a very big manner. It's a big day for India and Pakistan. It is because of Pakistan's efforts that India got the Games and it shows that our relationship with Pakistan will improve if we concentrate on the sporting angle," he added.
Mr. Kalmadi reiterated that everything is on track and all the infrastructure is coming up nicely. "I am grateful to Mr. Fennell and Mr. Hooper, who have been supporting us. This also happens to be 100 days before the Games. Let me tell you that everything is in place, including the infrastructure. Everything is on track," he said.
"It's a historic moment for us. It would get rid of the hostilities of the past," he said.
It was so unlike a military check-post at Wagah Border. Amidst the tight security arrangement for the event, festive mood was at its prime. Wagah border adorned a colourful look and enthusiasm was visible at the face of all Indian and foreign spectators who turned up to cheer the baton in large numbers. Spectators welcomed the baton with chants of "Chak De India".
The baton will now travel across the country covering a distance of 20,000 kilometres, will pass through the hands of more than 5000 Batonbearers across 200 cities and thousands of villages using all modes of transport including land, air and sea, before arriving in Delhi for the grand Opening Ceremony of the Games on 3 October 2010.
