QBR’s India schedule announced

The 2010 Commonwealth Organising Committee announced the India schedule of Queen’s Baton Relay, which will pass through the various States and union territories in the run-up to the quadrennial event starting from October 3 here.

“The baton will arrive in India on June 25 at 1300 hrs through Wagah Border after finishing its Pakistan tour and proceed to Amritsar via road on the same day in the evening,” OC chairman Suresh Kalmadi said.

“During its 100-day-long programme, the baton will pass through all the States and union territories before finally arriving in Delhi on September 30 at 1100 hrs, two days prior to the start of the Games,” Kalmadi added.

The schedule was announced during OC’s meeting with the nodal officers of different States and union territories to inform them about the arrival and departure of the relay in their respective cities and arrangements required to be made to ensure baton’s smooth run.

“The baton will spend 3-4 days in each State and union territory, during which it will be taken to the different cities and districts. Special attention has been given to the remote and far flung areas where the baton will travel in regards to security and transportation,” Kalmadi said.

Kalmadi, briefing the nodal officers, said that all must work in one direction — to make this relay a ceremonious event to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity, lifestyle and strong democracy.

“Each State and their respective sports federations must take care of the baton as the responsibility lies with them.

All international sportsperson of that State must be sent an invitation to receive Queen’s Baton Relay when it arrives in the city,” Kalmadi said.

“State ministers, MPs, MLAs, mayor, Army commanders must also be invited to mark its arrival. Branding is important and whole city should look colourful. Any person dressed as Shera must carry the torch during respective State tours.

“Security must be of high class, right from the entry to exit point of the baton. Also we have proposed the State and district-level committees, which will take care of all the requirements. Director sports or any other official dealing with sports must lead the committee.

“Commonwealth Games are very important for whole of the country and we will put our best foot forward,” he added.