The baton was handed over by Pakistan Olympic Association President Syed Arif Hassan to his Indian counterpart and chief Games organiser Suresh Kalmadi at the Wagah border on the outskirts of Amritsar.

Among those present at a colourful ceremony, marked by song and dance, was Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) President Mike Fennell , CGF chief executive Mike Hooper and New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

"This great occasion comes when exactly 100 days are left for the Games," Kalmadi told a large audience.

"We promise you the best ever Commonwealth Games.

"It's a great day for sports in India.

"The baton has gone 170,000 kilometres all around the Commonwealth.

"We have received it in a very big manner."

Among the early personalities to carry the Baton were boxers Vijender Singh, the Olympic bronze medallist, and Mary Kom (pictured), considered to be one of India's biggest hopes for a gold medal at London 2012.



"It's a big day for India and Pakistan," added Kalmadi.

"It is because of Pakistan's efforts that India got the Games and it shows that our relationship with Pakistan will improve if we concentrate on the sporting angle."

He was supported by Hassan.

"It's a historic moment for us," he said.

"It would get rid of the hostilities of the past."

The baton will travel across India before reaching the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi during the Games opening ceremony on October 3.

A message from Queen Elizabeth, which is inside the baton, will be read at the opening ceremony to be attended by Prince Charles.

The baton relay began at Buckingham Palace in London on October 29 lasy year and has so far travelled 170,000 kilometres (105,600 miles) across all the 71 nations and territories of the former British Empire.

The 12-day event will be India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi and Kalmadi used the occasion to try to dispel fears that the city will not be ready in time.

"I am grateful to Mr Fennell and Mr Hooper, who have been supporting us," Kalmadi said.

"This also happens to be 100 days before the Games.

"Let me tell you that everything is in place, including the infrastructure.

"Everything is on track."


Related stories
June 2010: Death of top Indian official overshadows Commonwealth Games celebrations
November 2009: Queen's Baton Relay visits Glasgow
November 2009: New Delhi officials praised by Queen for baton relay launch
November 2009: Queen's Baton Relay blamed for doubling of Commonwealth Games budget
October 2009: Queen's Baton Relay begins journey to New Delhi from Buckingham Palace