65 countries confirm participation in Military World Games

Hyderabad, Apr 18 (UNI) Atleast 65 countries have confirmed their participation so far in the fourth CISM Military World Games to be held in Hyderabad and Mumbai from October 14-21.

Talking to newspersons here today after third preparatory visit of CISM delegation to various stadia and venues for accommodation in and around Hyderabad, International Council of Military Sports (CISM) President Brigadier General Gianni Gola of Italy expressed his satisfaction over the progress of arrangements for the Games.

He said about 65 countries, including the US, Russia, China, France, Canada, the Netherlands and Germany, have confirmed their participation while many more are expected to join. The number of participant countries is expected to touch 100 figure mark, he added.

''The Military World Games is the second largest sporting body of the world after the Olympics in terms of number of participating countries and sportspersons,'' the CISM President said, adding ''the quality of the games is high as approximately 20-25 per cent of the participants are Olympians.'' On the fifth CISM Military World Games in 2011, he said Turkey and Brazil were bidding for it and the bid will take place in Burkina Phaso in West Africa.

''We are also adding one more feather to our organisation with first Winter Military World Games in February, 2009,'' he added.

Youth advancement, Tourism and Culture department Principal Secretary S N Mohanty said, ''the infrastructure created for 32nd National Games in 2002 would be upgraded and we would extend all the cooperation required by the organisers.'' CISM Secretary General Col Van Meurs, MWG Secretary General S C Joshi, Andhra Sub Area commander Brig DSC Varma, GOC 54 INF Div and Additional GG (Operations and Administration) Maj Gen Anil Chait, and Additional PIO S Kar were also present.

UNI