Itanagar: The much awaited Queen Baton finally arrived in the State capital for its Arunachal Pradesh leg today and was received warmly from all sections of society including school children from various Schools of the capital city and people enthusiastically thronged busy areas/thoroughfares to welcome prestigious Baton .AP is the 10th state and marks the 26th day of the arrival of the Baton to the country.

The minister for Tourism, Power and parliamentary Affairs Shri jarbom gamlin formally launched the Baton relay, 2010 in Arunachal Pradesh today at R.G. Stadium, Naharlagun in presence of general public and large numbers of students and sportspersons and Govt. officials of the state. Earlier, Shri padi Richo President AOA handed over the baton to Shri parliamentary Secretatry Sports and Youth affairs Wangki Lowang on the occasion at R. G.Stadium.national level footballer Gumpe Rime was also one of the baton bearers at R.G. Stadium, Naharlagun.The NCC cadets of Govt. Higher Secondary School, Itanagar gave a guard of honour as a mark of respect to the Queens baton at R. G. Stadium, NLG.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister Power, Tourism and Parliamentary affairs jarbom gamlin said that the Queens baton Relay aims to create a sense of involvement and enthusiasm of the general public for the ensuing prestigious XIX Commonwealth games in New Delhi that India is hosting in October.Gamlin extended gratitude to the organizers for involving the Arunachal Pradesh.Advocating for promoting a sporting culture and to encourage promising youngsters to take up sports at a proffestional level , he called upon the President AOA and concerned authorities to take initiative to give the best of Infrastructures and coaching facilities.

Further earlier at Naharlagun helipad on the arrival of the 11 member baton relay team led by Lt. Gen. Raj Kadyan (ADG QBR and ceremony Commonwealth games 2010)the Queen;s Baton was received by President Arunachal Olympic Association(AOA) and parliamentary secretary land management, labour and employment Shri Padi Richo. Minister UD and PWD Nabum Tuki and Capital Dr. SB Deepak Kumar among others were also present on the occasion.

Among others Local MLA Techi Kaso, Chairperson ZIlla Nabam Akap were the baton bearers at the Relay at Naharlagun.At DC office the Baton was received by DC capital SB Deepak Kumar including DC papumapare Nandini Paliwal and city SP Hibu Tamang.

From DC office Naharlagun till arrival Rajbhawan the Queens baton relay was carried through convoy mode. Various sportsmen of the state from various fields were the baton bearers during the Queens baton Relay at Itanagar passing through busy areas like legi complex Akaskdeep etc..At rajbhawan Secretary to Governor , Ankur Garg received the Baton. The Relay also covered TG Gompa and the historic archeological site of Itafort South gate.

At Akashdeep the baton was received by President APCC Techi Lala and he as a a baton bearer took round of Akashdeep and handed over the Baton to Chuunu Sangnu, Karatekar.The baton also reached Sangey Lhaden Sports Academy( SLSA) at Chimpu and was received enthusiastically by the students and other members.From SLSA Chimpu the Baton Relay reached Indira Gandhi Park Itanagar and the Baton was handed over to Wangki Lowang Parliamentary Secretary Youth & Sports Affairs. He planted a sapling there to commemorate the occasion.The Queens Baton Relay team was accorded an enthusiastic welcome at I.G. Park by school Children.

Finally the Queens baton relay culminated at State banquet hall, here in the evening. The Chief Secretary, Tabom Bam received the Queenen Baton 2010 at banquet Hall . A cultural programme was organized in honour of the baton.

The highlights of programme at banquet hall included presentation of memento to QBR Team including the Commonwealth mascot Sher , release of Special cover depicting the culture and heritage of AP with Queens Baton Stamp on it by Shri Nabum Tuki, Minister PWD and UD.Mascot Sher was given abig round of applause by the gathering including dignitaries.

Addressing on the occasion parliamentary Secretary S & Y Affairs welcomed the QBR team and said that such opportunity for the state would go a long way in creating awareness and in developing interest in sports in the state.

While the team leader Lt Gen, Raj Kadyan said that QBR 2010 aims to spreads the message of brotherhood , friendship and camaraderie and help India to project itself to the world and the states to project their culture. Terming the QBR 2010 as a major exercise.The Relay is an effort to propagate the spirit of friendship through the medium of sports as sports transcends all boundaries of nation, caste and creed. Moving across states with diversity of culture as been an incredible experience, he added.

He thanked the support and enthusiasm of the general public, state administration, police and other departments involved in the QBR including the sponsor Hero Honda the smooth conduct of the Relay and for the success of the event as a whole.