London:
Ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra's joy knew no bound after becoming the first baton-bearer of Thursday's Queen's baton relay for next year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
Bindra, India's only individual Olympic gold medallist, took the baton from Organising Committee Chairman Suresh Kalmadi to mark the beginning of the 340-day relay journey from Buckingham Palace here.
"It is a matter of great honour to be the first runner in the historic relay. It is a dream come true. I have participated in three Olympics and it is a great honour to be part of the Delhi Commonwealth Games," Bindra, who won gold medal during 2008 Beijing Games, said.
Bindra handed over the baton to legendary middle-distance runner Lord Sebastian Coe, who said, "It is a fabulous opportunity to showcase Delhi.
India's only cricket World Cup winning captain Kapil Dev took the baton from Coe and was happy to be part of the traditional ceremony.
"It is fantastic to represent the country," Kapil Dev said.
Tennis ace Sania Mirza was all smiles while standing on the dais during the ceremony.
"I am happy to be one of the few chosen for the Baton Relay. I am looking forward to represent India at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi," she said.
Milka Singh, 1958 Commonwealth 400m gold medal winner, popularly known as the 'Flying Sikh' thanked the Indian organisers for inviting him to the ceremony.
"I am grateful to M S Gill and Kalmadi for the invitation. At the age of 80 nobody bothers about you," he said.