Hyderabad, Aug 14 (IANS) The Queen’s Baton for the 2010 Commonwealth Games (CWG) reached this Andhra Pradesh capital Saturday to a rousing reception.
A.K. Parida, principal secretary to Andhra Pradesh government, sports, received the Baton at the Shamshabad International airport from authorities of Raipur.
Officials of Andhra Pradesh Olympics Association, various sports bodies and sportspersons were present to receive the Baton.
The Baton was then taken to Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy (KVBR) Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda where Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan handed it over to badminton ace Saina Nehwal to formally flag off the relay.
Cricket star V.V.S. Laxman was among a galaxy of sportspersons, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees and Olympians who carried the baton to People’s Plaza on the banks of Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. The relay passed through Ameerpet, Khairtabad and Necklace Road to reach People’s Plaza.
Ace shooter Gagan Narang, who was the last baton bearer, handed it over to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah.
Heavy rains marred the main official function held at People’s Plaza. The Baton will be kept at K.V.B.R. Indoor Stadium Sunday for public display before being taken to Visakhapatnam.
The Baton will also be taken to Vijayawada and Tirupati towns in the state.
