Sports can bolster Indo-Pak relations: Indian CWG delegation

Lahore: India and Pakistan should increase their sporting ties because it is a great mean to improve the

fragile relation between the two neighbouring countries, said Ajay Chautala, a member of four-man Indian delegation who is here to receive the Commonwealth Games baton. Chautala said he came to Pakistan with good wishes from India as well as other participating nations of the October 3-14 megaevent to be held in New Delhi. "Those problems which cannot be solved through wars can easily be solved on sporting grounds," he said. "India and Pakistan can come close through sports. Two sports -- cricket and kabaddi are very popular in both the countries," said Chautala, who, apart from being a politician, is also a member of the Indian Olympic Association. Chautala said he would request the India government to relax its visa norms to facilitate Pakistani visitors during the Commonwealth Games. The CWG Queen`s baton arrived here last night following the completion of its international leg relay. The baton travelled from Sri Lanka to Bangladesh before reaching Lahore on its way to India. Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) president Syed Arif Hasan received the baton at the airport in the presence of a large gathering. Hasan said the baton would be handed over to the head of the city of Lahore. The baton, which travelled 70 countries across six continents, will remain in Lahore till tomorrow before crossing to India via the Wagah border. It would cross the Wagah border tomorrow morning amid colourful ceremonies. POA chief Hasan will hand over the baton to his Indian counterpart and CWG Organising Committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi. The baton has so far travelled for 240 days during the international leg of the relay and will soon embark on a 100-day tour throughout the length and breadth of India. PTI