MUMBAI: The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi arrived with Marwah Studios Multimedia Team in the commercial capital of the country Mumbai amid cultural extravaganza and a grand welcome by the Western Naval Command at INS Viraat.
Many International athletes were present at this occasion including hockey Olympian – MM Somaya, former national table tennis champion – Kamlesh Mehta, chess Grandmaster – Praveen Thipsay, his wife – Bhagyashree Thipsay, Arjuna Awardee – Adil Sumariwala, former badminton players – Pradeep Gandhe and Gauri Ghate and national level basketball player – Surbhi Mudgal.
Hockey Olympian MM Somaya said, “I was honoured to be a part of the Queen’s Baton Relay. It is a big thing for us sportspersons. It was a proud moment indeed.”
At the legendary Gateway of India Maharashtra Chief Minister, Mr. Ashok Chavan participated in the relay. He received the baton which arrived by aboat from Karanje naval jetty in Uran, Navy Mumbai, to the Gateway of India in south Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chavan expressed the hope that the Games would spread a spirit of sportsmanship among the people and popularise sports among the masses.
Besides the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Chhagan Bhujbal, Sports Minister Mr. Suresh Shetty, Union Minister for IT Mr. Gurudas Kamat and other sports officials and members of the State Olympic Association were present on the occasion.
Earlier the Indian Navy gave the baton a majestic welcome. As many as 1,400 naval sailors and 400 navy children school students welcomed the baton by waving the Tricolour. Lezhim, Maharashtra’s traditional synchronised dance form was performed by a cultural troupe of students.
The baton was first taken to the submarine, INS Sindhuvijay, and then to INS Viraat where it was handed over to Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Region.
“We are proud to get this unique opportunity. The Queen’s Baton 2010 Delhi carries forward a five-decade-old tradition and symbolises the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth countries,” Vice-Admiral Bhasin said.
The baton, carrying the Queen’s message on an 18-carat gold leaf, was then handed over by Vice-Admiral Bhasin to Shaurya Chakra Award winner Commander Dilip Dhonde, the first Indian to circumnavigate the world solo. Near the Gateway, the baton was welcomed by two Chetak helicopters which showered petals and two jet cannons which formed an arch, as the baton cruised forward to the Gateway.
“All these precious moments were recrded by our team at Mumbai” said Sandeep Marwah President of Marwah Studios and head of Multimedia Team