Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 27, 2010:
The Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) of the Common Wealth Games 2010 finally arrived in Imphal at 8.50 am this morning after passing through 10 states of the country.
The 11 member of QBR team headed by Lt.Col.KS.
Bansal came from Dimapur in an Indian Airlines flight.
A reception ceremony was held amidst razzmatazz at the historic Kangla Fort where thousands of people including students attended the glittering ceremony.
Chief Minister O Ibobi and Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister, N Biren attended the programme as chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking on the occasion, KS.
Bansal said that they have completed 240 days of journey to reach India and covered more than 1.90 lakhs kms passing across 15 nations.
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi, while speaking as the chief guest, noted that today was a remarkable and historic day for the state of Manipur.
He said that the Queen of England saw off the QBR team from her Palace in London crossing one third of the world and reaching Manipur state.
The Chief Minister flagged off the Baton relay.
A number of gold medallists of the state escorted the baton relay as a step to encourage the sports fraternity.
YAS Minister, N Biren handed over the Baton to the Chief Minister and subsequently the latter handed it over to the first Hockey Olympian of Manipur, Nilkamal, who stated the first relay run in Imphal.
The Baton relay started from Kangla, passed through Nityaipat Chuthek, Keishampat, Keishamthong, Moirangkhom, Singjamei, cross the Singjamei bridge over Imphal river, headed towards Khongman Mangjil, then Kongba bazar, Wangkhei, Palace gate, Sanjenthong, Nityaipat Chuthek, GM Hall, Khoyathong, North AOC, then finally culminated at Khuman Lampak indoor stadium.
No official of Manipur Olympic Association including its president Bijoy Koijam, whose name was printed on the invitation card, took part in the whole event due to differences between MOA and the YAS.