Saina, Laxman, Narang participate in QBR

Ace shuttler Saina Nehwal, shooter Gagan Narang and India cricketer VVS Laxman were among several sportspersons who were the part of the Queen's Baton Relay that arrived in Hyderabad on Saturday.

The QBR, which entered the state capital this afternoon, was given a rousing reception at the Shamshabad International airport near here after it arrived from Raipur.

The Baton was taken in a convoy to Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy (KVBR) Indoor Stadium in Yousufguda, where Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan formally flagged-off the Relay in the state by handing over the Baton to world number two woman shuttler Saina amid thunderous applause.

Home Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and Sports Minister Komatireddy Venkata Reddy were also present on the occasion.

Later hundreds of schoolchildren, sportspersons and common public, who gathered at the KVBR Stadium holding the tri-colour, participated in the Relay while many others cheered the sportspersons.

The sportspersons, including Laxman and Narang, passed on the baton to each other during the relay from KVBR Stadium to People's Plaza.

"Finally the QBR is in Hyderabad. I am also preparing for the Commonwealth Games and there is responsibility on me to perform well. I hope to give the best and win a medal at the event," Saina said.

Laxman hoped that the QBR will enjoy grand success in the state.

Shooter Gagan Narang, the last baton bearer, handed over the baton to Chief Minister K Rosaiah at the People's Plaza where an official programme was organised which was followed by a cultural event.

Earlier, at the Shamshabad airport, the Baton was handed over to A K Parida, Principal Secretary of Youth Affairs and Sports and officials of Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association, after its arrival from Raipur.

The Queen's Baton will be on public display at the KVBR Stadium on Sunday and the Baton team will leave for Visakhapatnam at 11.45 am by a flight. Besides it will also be taken to Vijayawada and Tirupati in the state.