Published Sat, Jul 03 10 09:08 PM
Chandigarh, Jul 3 (PTI) Despite the presence of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, cricketer Kapil Dev and Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, the Queen''s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games received a cold response here today. The baton entered the City in the late afternoon from Army''s Western Command headquarters at Chandimandir in Panchkula, near here. Tight security arrangements had been made here in view of the baton''s arrival, with paramilitary forces also being deployed along the route. The relay route of over 1 km from the Matka Chowk in Sector 17 to the cricket stadium at Sector 16 was decorated with colourful flags, but there was hardly any public presence along the route. Inside the stadium, the main venue of the function to receive the baton, some people, mostly youngsters and school children, had gathered to witness the baton''s arrival, but most of the stadium was empty. However, senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration, Army personnel along with their families and police personnel besides the Bhangra and cultural performers were present in strength. From the Matka Chowk, the baton was received by Milkha Singh, who carried it for some distance before it was handed over to other athletes including former hockey international Rajinder Singh Sr. Inside the stadium, India''s only cricket World Cup winning captain, Kapil Dev received it before handing it over to Olympic gold winning shooter Abhinav Bindra. "I am very happy to have had the honour of receiving the baton in my own city. It''s a rare honour that has been bestowed to me," Milkha Singh said. .
Source: Web Search
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