New Delhi: Indian Olympic Association (IOA) today said that the conduct of the 2010 Commonwealth Games here was flawless which was appreciated by all the participating contingents.
Speaking at a function hosted by the British High Commission here this evening in honour of the Queen’s Baton, IOA acting president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said “I must say without hesitation and without being modest that conduct of the 2010 Games was flawless and we are proud of that.”
Delhi, earned the distinction of being the first city to receive the Baton, outside the United Kingdom, because of being host of the previous edition of the Games.
He said on behalf of the IOA and people of India, “I wish the Queen’s baton a very successful and eventful relay till it reaches its final destination in Glasgow on 23rd July 2014”.
“I am told that that Queen’s Baton when it left London, was to cover more than 190,000 kilometres over 288 days before its final destination.”
“I am not sure exactly how many Kilometers the queen’s Baton has already covered while flying from London to Delhi, but for the remaining distance and days, I can assure you that the sports loving people of India will sincerely wish and pray for its successful journey.”
Earlier the Queen's Baton was given a rousing welcome by leading sports persons senior state Government officials and office bearers of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association at the Taj Mehal in Agra this morning.
Glasgow Organising Committee Vice-Chair person and Commonwealth Games Federation Honorary Secretary Louise Martin expressed her happiness at the reception given to the Baton relay at the Taj Mahal.
The district administration presented the Glasgow Games officials accompanying the Baton with mementos Taj Mahal which was highly appreciated. "It is a great start to the relay " said the officials.
The Baton relay was given a ceremonial reception at Uttar Pradesh border by UP Olympic Association senior vice president Shyam Singh Yadav and secretary General Anadeshwar Pandey ,large number of sports persons.
After the return from Agra, the Queen's Baton was taken to the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium here where it was received by Senior IOA officials G.S.Mander, S.Reghunathan and Bagish Pathak ,Sports Secretary Rajiv Gupta , Director General SAI J.J Thomas,, secretary SAI Neeraj Kansal and sports persons-Yogreshwar Dutt, Amit Kumar, Krishna Poonia, Ravi Kumar, Samresh Jung, V.R.,Raghunath, P.R.Shreejesh, S.V.Sunil and Birinder Lakra.
Later the Baton was taken to India Gate for photo session.
