Thaindian News

Lucknow, July 8 (IANS) The Queen’s Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games was accorded a rousing reception Thursday as it entered Uttar Pradesh, officials said.
The baton relay, which entered the state’s Bareilly district from Uttarakhand, was received by officials of the Uttar Pradesh Olympic Association (UPOA) and other dignitaries.

A number of cultural programmes were presented by school students and sportspersons on the occasion.

“The main function was held at Bareilly stadium, where the baton reached at around 6 p.m.,” UPOA general secretary Anandeshwar Pandey told reporters in Bareilly, some 250 km from Lucknow.

“The baton will stay for the night in Bareilly. Tight security arrangements have been made in view of the night stay,” he added.

According to the UPOA, the baton will reach the state capital Lucknow Friday.

“The relay will be accorded a warm welcome at Itaunja (on the outskirts of the capital), where the baton would be received by UPOA members and other dignitaries,” said Lucknow District Magistrate Anil Sagar.

“A number of cultural events will be organised in the state capital to welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay. Several photo sessions will take place at historic places in Lucknow to mark the arrival of the baton. Later, on the same day it will head for City Montessori School’s Kanpur Road branch, where the main function will be held,” he added.

The customary Queen’s Baton Relay run would be organised in Lucknow July 10. The baton will later travel around 19 districts of the state, before it reaches Bihar July 13, and re-enter Uttar Pradesh from Jhansi district July 19, Pandey said.

The baton has travelled nearly 170,000 km through nearly 70 Commonwealth countries before arriving in India for the Games Oct 3-14 in New Delhi.