Warm reception was given to Queen’s Baton Relay(QBR) on Reaching Dharamsala

By Vijyender Sharma
DHARMSHALA----Warm reception was given to Queen’s Baton Relay(QBR) on Reaching Dharamsala in district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. To achieve the purpose of XIX Common Wealth games, which had been officially declared as the Green Games, the welcome ceremony was marked by the afforestation drive by the forest department. Industries Minister Kishan Kapur, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister, Smt, Sarveen Chaudhry, planted a sapling each to begin with the Green initiative. Deputy Commisioner, Sh, R.C. Gupta , SP, Atul Fulzele , and other senior officers and people of the town were present on the occasion.

The Queens Baton Relay was given rousing greeting all over the way from Una and children were seen standing in rows at different places enroute Dharamsala . The QBR was officially started by handing over the Queen’s Baton to Shivani Rana, who is Nationalist medalists in Shooting, and simultaneously Ms, Ashu Devi, International player, Volleyball, Pooja Thakur, who played Junior Asian Championship, Munish Kumar (Basketball) and office bearers of Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA), International player, Champa Chandel (Volleyball), Chuni lal, International Player in Skiing ran with the relay holding the Queen’s Baton with enthusiasm and Jubiliation from DC office complex to Cricket Stadium Dharamsala.

Arjuna Awardee, Sh B.S. Thapa who represented India in International level Boxing had the privilege to carry the Queens Baton inside Cricket Stadium at Dharamsala.

Industries Minister Kishan Kapoor while addressing the gathering said that it is a matter of great pride for the people of the State to welcome the Queen’s Baton. He said that the QBR after travelling 171,500 Kms had entered its 250th day today since it was flagged officially from England in October 2009.

Industries Minister said that with each game the tradition grows in scale and significance, including more Nations, involving more participants and generating more excitement than ever before.

He said that the declaration of Common Wealth Games as Green Games is a message to global community to adopt Zero-tolerance towards environment degradation. He said that the QBR which has traversed through 70 Nations has sent the message of brotherhood and fraternity amongst the world communities.

Earlier Sh. J.R Katwal. Nodal Officer of QBR of the State and director sports welcomed the Chief Guest and detailed about the itinerary of QBR for three days in the State. He thanked the people of Dharamsala for according a warm reception.

Director QBR, Sh. Kuldeep Banshtu, also honoured Sh, Kapoor and Smt Sarveen Chaudhry alongwith other dignitaries by presenting the replica of the Queen’s Baton. He thanked the administration for the warm welcome .

A colourful cultural programme was also performed on the occasion by the various School Children.

Deputy Commisioner, Sh. R.S. Gupta proposed vote of thanks.

Smt. Sarveen Chaudhary, social justice and empowerment Minister,members of Himachal Pradesh cricket Association, office bearers of Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association werer also present on the occasion .