PANAJI: The convoy carrying the Queen’s Baton that traversed 166 km in Goa after making its entry at Pollem, Canacona on Tuesday finished its final lap in the state at Patradevi in Pernem from where it entered Maharashtra, after a valedictory function organised at Martyrs Memorial, Patradevi on Wednesday.

On the occasion, Sports Minister, Mr Manohar (Babu) Azgaonkar planted saplings of social forestry variety as part of the programme as the 19th Commonwealth Games are termed as ‘Green Games’. The target set for Goa is to plant 30,000 saplings.

The Queen’s baton was handed over by Mr Azgaonkar to Lt. Gen. Raj Kardyan, Director General QBR, Delhi at Patradevi, Goa-Maharashtra border.

The convoy was accorded a warm reception with great fanfare and enthusiasm and well received by the people at places it halted for sportspersons to pass the Baton to their counterparts.

After taking a night’s halt at Panaji, the lap from Panaji to Patradevi began from Miramar at 8.30 am today when Dr Dilip Deobagkar, Vice-Chancellor, Goa University, handed over the Queen’s Baton to the sportsperson to mark the beginning of the Goa final lap of the Relay.

The Queen’s Baton changed hands at Bal Bhavan, where the Baton was handed over to Ms Vijayadevi Rane, Chairperson, Bal Bhavan who in turn passed the same to other sportspersons.

The Relay convoy made its next halt near Sanjay School for special children at Porvorim. The students looked their best dressed in colourful traditional costumes with grin and jubilation writ large on their young faces.

The Queen’s Baton Relay then proceeded to Gandhi Chowk, Mapusa where it was received by MLAs, Mr Francisco D’Souza, Mr Anant Shet, Mr Rajesh Patnekar, Mr Dilip Parulekar, Mr Dayanand Mandrekar and President of Mapusa Municipal Council, Ms Rupa Bhakta.

Mr Dayanand Narvekar, MLA received the Queen’s Baton at the State of Excellence, Peddem, Mapusa, while Mr Gurudatta Bhakta, secretary of Goa Olympics Association was also present there.

Mr Dayanand Sopte, MLA and Mr Bhushan Naik, Sarpanch formed the welcomed reception at Dhargal Village Panchayat.

Like yesterday, even today, venues where the receptions were held, for sportspersons to exchange hands in carrying the prestigious Baton was welcomed by school children and public, waving flags to cheer the convoy.

Speaking at the valedictory function organised at Martyrs memorial, the Sports Minister complimented the people and those officials involved in organising the programme, stating that the success of the two days event was due to cooperation of people and officials.

He said the historic event will carry happy memories and showcase Goa to the world as peace loving and hospitable state that exudes rich culture and tradition.

Mr Azgaonkar assured the people that all out efforts would be made to organise the National Games in Goa. He said a similar Baton Relay programme would be organised covering all villages in Goa, carrying message of unity and love.

He also said the proposal to make Dhargal in Pernem a Sports City would soon become a reality and called for cooperation of the people to achieve the goal.

Lt. Gen. Kardyan, was all praises for the manner Goa organised the Goa leg of Queen’s Baton relay. He said Goa held the relay in true spirit of the relay event by making halts at every village along Canacona-Pernem route to exchange Baton among sportsperson. It was unlike other states where it moved from one major city to another.

He said it was a wonderful experience in Goa as response, hospitality and affection were overwhelming.

The richness of Goa is not evolved only in material goods but hearts and feelings of the people, he said.

Mr Pandurang Parab, ZP Chairman, North, Mr Gurudatta Bhakta, secretary, Goa Olympic Association also spoke on the occasion. Ms Anita Shetye, Sarpanch Torxem Panchayat, Mr Bhushan Naik, Sarpanch Dhargal Panchayat, Ms Surangi Korgaonkar, ZP, Mr G T Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forest, Mr V M Prabhudesai, Executive Director of Sports Authority of Goa were present on the occasion.

Earlier, Dr Susana de Sousa, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs welcomed the guests. Mr R N Tari, Asst. Director, Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs proposed
the vote of thanks.