Pics by Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 11: The Baton was welcomed at the Lion Gate by Admiral Superintendent Dockyard (ASD) R K Sherawat and was followed by a Relay.

Arjuna awardee Commander Mahesh Ramachandran began the Relay from the Lion Gate to South Break Water (SBW) with naval sportsmen also participating in the event.

The Baton changed hands at every 100 metres. Both sides of the route till the SBW were manned by Navy students and sailors, who waved miniature national and theme flags cheering the Relay.

The 1.5km Relay stretch included a halt on board submarine INS Sindhuvijay from where the Baton was escorted to the flight deck of aircraft carrier INS Virat.

After a small function and performance by the Naval band and the synchronised semaphore drill by the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), Commander-in-chief, Western Naval Command Vice-Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin handed over the Baton to Commander Dilip Dhonde who recently completed the solo circumnavigation of the globe in a sail boat.

The Baton then took a sea route in a Harbour Defence Boat, which was escorted by six other boats to the Gateway of India where it was handed over to the state authorities in a function.

As the Baton reached the Gateway of India here, flower petals were showered by a Chetak helicopter. A number of sail boats traversed near the Gateway to add to the festivities.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who received the Baton at the Gateway, wished his best for the Commonwealth Games and said, "The players would make the event successful."

State Sports Minister Suresh Shetty, Housing Minister Sachin Ahir and Minister of State for Communications and IT Gurudas Kamat were also present at the function.