Gandhinagar: Ahmedabad accorded a spirited welcome to the King’s Baton of the Commonwealth Games 2026, which arrived in the city for a three-day celebration themed around the message Go Commonwealth! Go Unity! Go 2026! The relay, symbolising unity, humanity and shared destiny across the Commonwealth nations, began its Ahmedabad journey on November 15 and will continue until November 17.

The baton reached Gujarat University on its first day, where distinguished sportspersons, including Olympian swimmer Mana Patel, joined the ceremony. The relay then travelled to IIT Gandhinagar, Sanskardham, L. J. University and the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex. London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang served as the chief guest during the welcome programme. Other athletes such as international sprinter Ruchit Mori, senior national judo gold medallist Rohit Majgul and swimmer Devansh Parmar were also present at different relay points, while members of India’s Under-17 football team greeted the baton at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex.

On November 16, the baton will be welcomed at the Kings Baton International Book Festival (Sports Arena) after passing through Karnavati Club, Rajpath Club and the Atal Bridge. The final day, November 17, will begin with a riverfront cleanliness drive. The baton is then scheduled to visit several educational institutions including Apple Global School, Delhi Public School, Udgam School, Ahmedabad International School and Ahmedabad University before concluding its city journey at the International Book Festival. Citizens, students, sports personalities and dignitaries have shown enthusiastic participation throughout, reflecting Ahmedabad’s growing engagement with global sporting events.

About the King’s Baton Relay

The King’s Baton Relay began at Buckingham Palace on Commonwealth Day, 10 March 2025, when His Majesty the King placed a special message inside the baton. The 500-day relay will travel through all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. For the first time, each nation has been given a uniquely designed baton representing its own culture. All the batons will be reunited at the Opening Ceremony in Glasgow, where the King’s message will be read to officially begin the Games.

This edition introduces the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, a joint initiative with the Royal Commonwealth Society, encouraging athletes and citizens to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waters. Clean-up activities will be held at various points along the baton’s route.

India’s Baton Design

India’s customised baton has been designed by award-winning artist Aaqib Wani, reflecting the country’s ethos of “unity in diversity.” Its first segment showcases state flowers from across India, celebrating cultural identity. The second segment draws inspiration from Gond art, honouring tribal traditions through rich depictions of nature. The third segment incorporates Indian scripts, symbolising the linguistic and cultural heritage of the nation.

The finishing touches were added by citizens and athletes during an interactive public event in Delhi, where the baton was officially unveiled at a DLF mall. The display featured relay branding, a public photo booth, an information kiosk on the baton’s history, athlete interactions and a digital engagement wall.