Count down for Military World Games begin with mass Run

Hyderabad, Jan 28 (UNI) Count down for the fourth Military World Games in Hyderabad and Mumbai began here today with a mass run organised by the Defence and Andhra Pradesh Sports Departments.

More than 10,000 people had participated in the run organised in the twin cities, including, women, children and senior citizens.

The run started at Lal Bahadur Stadium, with Lt Gen Ashok Kapur flagging it off, went through Bashirbagh, Tankbund, Rashtrapati Road and concluded at Parade grounds in Secunderabad.

The State Home Minister K Jana Reddy and Tourism Minister J Geetha Reddy lauded the city for supporting the Military World Games by participating in the run.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Reddy said, ''Hyderabad, known for its hospitality was selected to host the coveted event after the successful conduct of the inaugural Afro-Asian Games in 2003.

This is the first time the games were coming out of Europe and Hyderabadis are proud to host the games''.

We are expecting at least 100 nations to take part in the second largest sporting event after the Olympics. Keeping the October weather in view we have shifted two events Sailing and Triathlon from Visakhapatnam to Mumbai, he said. The remaining 13 events would be held in Hyderabad'' he added.

He said both men and women would compete in all disciplines.

UNI