Three-day relay began on Nov 15 at Gujarat University; athletes, students and citizens join celebrations
Ahmedabad rolled out a grand welcome for the King’s Baton Relay – Road to the Commonwealth Games, Glasgow 2026 – as it continued its 500-day journey across all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories.
The city’s three-day leg began on November 15 from Gujarat University and moved through IIT Gandhinagar, Sanskardham, LJ University and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. With the spirited chant of “Go Commonwealth! Go Unity! Go 2026!”, athletes, students and residents enthusiastically greeted the Baton, celebrating global unity through sport.
London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang flagged off the event, while several noted sportspersons— including Olympian swimmer Maana Patel, international athlete Ruchit Mori and Judo Senior National Gold Medalist Rohit Majgul — joined the relay at different points.
On November 16, the Baton travelled to Karnavati Club, Rajpath Club and Atal Bridge before reaching the International Book Festival (Sports Arena). On its final day (November 17), it will begin with a Riverfront Cleaning Drive as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, followed by visits to Apple Global School, Delhi Public School and Ahmedabad University. The relay will conclude at the International Book Festival.
The Indian Baton, designed by award-winning artist Aakib Wani, reflects the nation’s ethos of “Unity in Diversity.” This edition of the relay also marks the launch of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, aimed at preventing one million plastic pieces from entering Commonwealth waters.