Queen's Baton Arrives in Shillong

Shillong, Jul 22 : The Queen's Baton reached Meghalaya this evening as part of its country-wide relay in the run up to the Delhi Commonwealth Games, in October this year.

The baton was handed over to Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Bindo M Lanong at Byrnihat in Ri Bhoi District at around 10:30 am after travelling from Kaziranga in Assam as part of its onward journey to Arunachal Pradesh tomorrow.

The baton after arriving at Byrnihat, travelled through the Shillong-Guwahati road in a rally participated by Lanong, who also holds the Sports portfolio, along with officials of the sports department and sports personalities.

It passed through Nongpoh, Umiam and localities like Mawlai, Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, Ward's Lake in the city before arriving at U Soso Tham Auditorium.

People thronged the premises of U Soso Tham Auditorium to have a glimpse of the decorated wand before it was taken inside the hall.

International marathoner Biningstar Lyngkhoi of Meghalaya handed over the baton to Meghalaya Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma at cultural programme to mark this historic event.

Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said Meghalaya was lacking behind in sports and the government would make every effort to provide avenues for the youth to utilise their immense potential.

The baton left Buckingham Palace on October 29, 2009 for its India leg journey. It would finally reach New Delhi in before the commencement of the Commonwealth Games on October 3.