India’s first Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra and tennis star Sania Mirza will be amongst those taking part in the Queen’s Baton Relay here on Thursday.Other prominent sports personalities featuring in the list of torch bearers include boxing sensation Vijender Singh, wrestler Sushil Kumar, Milkha Singh, Kapil Dev, Dilip Tirkey and Karnam Malleswari.
Meanwhile, President Pratibha Patil, who arrived in London yesterday on a two-nation state visit to the UK and Cyprus during which she will receive the Commonwealth baton from Queen Elizabeth on October 29, will be personally escorted to Windsor, a royal town some 40 km from the British capital, where she will stay as the Queen’s guest before flying out to Cyprus.
During her visit to Britain, first by an Indian President in 20 years, Patil will hold talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown and meet Leader of Opposition David Cameroon. Queen Elizabeth will also host a banquet in honour of the Indian President.
She said her visit was aimed at further strengthening the partnership between India and UK. The two countries already enjoy a deep relationship in the field of business, trade and academics, she said.
When asked about concerns over Delhi's state of preparedness to host the Games, Patil said:
"No. Delhi is quite prepared and they can come, they are most welcome and Delhi is very, very ready to welcome all those people who want to come here. No problem," she said in an interview.