Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, unveiled the King’s Baton for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) at DLF Avenue, Saket, on Tuesday. The launch event was attended by British High Commissioner to India, Her Excellency Lindy Cameron, and Dr. P.T. Usha, President of the Commonwealth Games Association (CGA) of India.
The event brought together several Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallists such as Yogeshwar Dutt, Achanta Sharath Kamal, and Gagan Narang, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Commonwealth Games Federation, and the Sports Authority of India.
The Baton will be on public display in Delhi from November 12 to 14 at DLF Avenue Mall before heading to Ahmedabad on November 14 for the next stage of its relay. Designed by renowned Indian artist Aaquib Wani, the Baton captures the themes of art, sports, and sustainability, reflecting India’s cultural diversity and creative energy.
Mandaviya highlights the spirit of the commonwealth
Speaking at the unveiling, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that the King’s Baton Relay represents the spirit of unity and progress shared by Commonwealth nations. He added that the Baton’s artwork symbolizes India’s deep cultural roots and modern outlook. “India has always believed in the power of sport to bring people and nations together,” he said, emphasizing that the Baton carries a global message of friendship, equality, and sustainability.
British High Commissioner Praises India’s Role
British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron described the Baton Relay as a strong symbol of partnership between the United Kingdom, India, and the wider Commonwealth community. She said the Delhi leg of the relay reflects shared values of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration through sport.
Dr. P.T. Usha, President of CGA India, highlighted that the Baton Relay celebrates not only athletic achievement but also India’s growing focus on sustainability and artistic excellence. “As it travels through India, it reminds us how sport connects people and builds unity,” she said.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026. It will mark the fourth time Scotland has hosted the Games, following previous editions in Edinburgh (1970, 1986) and Glasgow (2014).
