Hyderabad to host the biggest ever Military World Games

New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) Pakistan has yet to confirm its participation while 78 countries have sent their entries for the 4th Military World Games to be held in Hyderabad from October 14 to 21.

Secrtary General of the Games Cdr SC Joshi told mediapersons here today that August 15 is the last date for entries and ''we hope Pakistan will by that time sent their entry''.

''Invitations have been sent to all the 127 member countries and we expect over 100 countries will be taking part in the Games.'' He said the Hyderabad edition of the Games will be the biggest ever such event for which the Great Indian Bison has been adopted as the mascot.

''We have so far received entries from over 4000 participants and officials,'' said Cdr Joshi, adding India being the host country will be fielding the biggest contingent in the Games which will have 15 diciplines including two demonstration events.

''261 sportspersons and officials, including ten women will form the Indian contingent. Amongst the foreign contingents, China is likely to send the largest squad comprtising over 160 sportspersons and officials,'' he added.

The 15 disciplines are: Football, Handball, Volleyball, Triathlon, Sailing, Swimming, Track and Field, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Military Pentathlon, Shooting, Parachuting.

(Demo sports) Hockey and Kabaddi.

All the events will be held in Hyderabad except the sailing and triathlon which are planned to be conducted in Mumbai.

The previous three editions of the Games were held in Rome in 1995 (in which 93 countries took part), Zegreb in 1999 (82 countries) and Catania (Italy) 2003 (87 countries).

UNI