Military Games flame arrives passes through Haryana

Ambala, Aug 5 (UNI) Carrying the flame of the 4th Military World Games, scheduled to be held at Hyderabad in October this year, a unique cycling expedition of the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) of the Indian Army arrived here today.

Christened ASHWAMEGH, the expedition was flagged off from Leh on July 30 and would end up in Kanyakumari on August 18 after covering a distance of 4249 Kms through all kinds of terrain and weather conditions.

The expedition proceeds for Delhi from here. Further, the flame would pass through Agra, Jhansi , Nagpur, Hyderabad , Kurnool, Hosur, etc before reaching Kanyakumari.

The EME, popularly known as Eagles, under the dynamic and able guidance of Lt Gen Arvind Mahajan, Director General of EME and senior Colonel Commandant, have planned this expedition. The Ashwa (horse) signifies mechanical energy, and is also a part of the Corps insignia.

ASHWAMEGH is led by Major Vishal Ahlawat, a die hard adventurist, who has to his credit large number of mountaineering expeditions like Mount Leo Pargial, Mount Shivling, Mount Satopanth and Kedardome.

Beginning in the sub zero temperature at high altitude of Leh, the expedition has arrived after negotiating the most challenging passes like Tangiang La (world's second highest motorable pass at a height of 17, 582 ft), Lachung La and Barlachala Rohtang pass.

Besides spreading awareness among the citizens of th ecountry regarding conduct of the Military World Games, the other objectives of the expedition include showcasing army as a career full of adventure and excitement so as to attract the youth to join the army.

The expedition hopes to earn a place in the Limca Book of Records by covering the distance of 4249 Kms in just 20 days, which amounts to a grueling effort of averaging approximately 200 Kms per day which as never been attained so far.

To promote the importance of greening India, the expedition members are planting trees on their way.

As another precursor to the mega event, the team would proudly showcase Bravo, the Mascot of the games, thereby adding a very dynamic and unique dimension to the games. 'Bravo' is also accompanying this unique journey from Leh to Kanyakumari.

India is conducting the 4th CISM Military World Games in Hyderabad and Mumbai from 14 t0 21 October this year. Nearly 100 countries are expected to participate in this mega event.

Going by the size, this event is considered to be the biggest sporting event, next only to the Olympics. India is conducting this event for the first time.

UNI