ISLAMABAD: The Queen’s Baton arrived in Pakistan on Monday as the symbolic relay continues its global journey ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony next year. 

The Baton Relay has been an essential part of the Commonwealth Games for over 60 years and celebrates communities from across the Commonwealth during the run up to the Games. This year’s Games will kickoff on July 28, 2022. 

A welcome ceremony was hosted by the Deputy British High Commission in Karachi to officially hand over the Queen’s Baton to the President of the Commonwealth Games Association.

“The Baton will be carried by Pakistani squash legend Jahangir Khan, and Muhammad Inam, World Beach Wrestling Champion and Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist,” the British High Commission said in a statement.

“During its time in Pakistan, the Baton will also visit the Madressatul Islam University, Mazaar-e-Quaid, Karachi Grammar School and Moulana Muhammad Ali Johar Park (Kakri Ground) as Batonbearers, athletes, and others share untold stories of striving for change in their communities.”

“The Baton Relay has been an essential part of the Commonwealth Games for over 60 years and celebrates communities from across the Commonwealth during the run up to the Games. It ignites hope, solidarity, and collaboration as it connects communities embracing unique cultures and inspires the next generation of sporting heroes,” the high commission added.

Since 1954, Pakistan has competed in 13 of 21 Commonwealth Games. Its most successful run was in the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, where it was 4th in the overall rankings and won eight Gold Medals. Its most successful event has been wrestling, where it has won 42 medals, 21 of which have been Gold. It ranks third overall in Wrestling at the Commonwealth Games.

After Pakistan, the Baton relay will travel to the Maldives.