The President was speaking when he received the Queen’s Baton Relay at Kamuzu International Airport in Lilongwe. Professor Mutharika said time has come for Malawi to learn from other countries to do well at the next Commonwealth Games to be held in Australia.

“We welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay in Malawi, we are all aware that 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place in Australia. Malawi has been participating in these games for a long time but our performance at the games has always been not encouraging,” said Mutharika.

The President therefore urged athletes in the country to start serious preparations for the Commonwealth Games. At this juncture, the Malawi Leader underscored the importance of winning as it makes the nation proud.

On the Baton’s significance, President Mutharika said it is a symbol of history that promotes unity amongst Commonwealth countries.

The Queen’s Baton Relay is a Relay around the world held prior to the beginning of the Commonwealth Games.

The Baton carries a message from Queen Elizabeth the Second who is the Head of the Commonwealth. From Malawi, the Queen's Baton Relay goes to Zambia.