The ceremonial journey for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games officially commenced on Tuesday, as the prestigious King's Baton Relay was launched with great fanfare in New Delhi. This event marks the traditional start of the countdown to the multi-sport spectacle.
A Historic Start in the Capital
The unveiling ceremony was a significant affair, graced by key dignitaries. Union Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the event, alongside Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron. The event was held at the DLF Avenue Saket, setting the stage for a global journey.
This edition of the relay is historic, as it is the first time in Commonwealth Games history that all 74 member nations have received their own custom-designed batons. Each baton reflects the unique vision and culture of its country.
The Story of India's Unique Baton
India's contribution to this tradition is a specially crafted baton designed by renowned visual artist Aaquib Wani, who also designed India's jersey for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wani explained the rich symbolism behind his creation.
"The baton has three sides, so I decided to design each distinctly," Wani stated. "One side takes inspiration from the flowers of India. The second side depicts a peacock, the national bird, and an elephant. The third side belongs to the great Indian literature and depicts the scripts used by Indians."
Wani, known for his work on the Indian men's cricket team jerseys, expressed his passion for sports-related design, saying his childhood love for sports drives him to seize such opportunities.
The Relay's Journey and The Grand Finale
The Baton Relay is a core tradition where the baton, carrying a message from the British monarch, travels across the Commonwealth nations before its final destination. All 74 batons will be united at the opening ceremony in Glasgow on July 23, 2026.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games are scheduled to be held from July 23 to August 2 in the Scottish city. This will be the fourth time Scotland hosts the event, having previously held it in Edinburgh (1970 and 1986) and Glasgow (2014).
For residents of the capital, the Indian baton will remain on public display at the DLF Avenue Mall from November 12 to 14. Its journey will then continue, with the next stop being Ahmedabad on November 14 for the subsequent leg of its international tour.
