Source: The Sangai Express / PIB (Defence Wing)
Imphal, October 14:
In a spectacular ceremony, the 4th Military World Games (MWG) were declared open by the President Pratibha Patil in Hyderabad today.
Out of 127 countries who are members of Consiel International du Sports Mlitaire(CISM), an international sports Association, which is open to armed forces of all nations, a whopping 103 member countries are participating in the games.
About 6,000 athletes and officials will partake in this sporting extravaganza which in its size is next only to the Olympics.
The largest contingent is from Germany consisting of 207 participants and officials including 47 women, followed by China with 200 participants while host India will have the third largest contingent with 196 athletes and officials.
Iran also has three women participants.
Interestingly women outnumber men for France (40 women and 29 men).
The very fact that none of the countries even remotely expressed their security concern in the aftermath of terrorist strike in Hyderabad is only indicative of the confidence that the CISM had in the host country in general and Armed forces in particular.
Thus far this has been the largest number in any MWG.
Not surprisingly, Brig Gen Giannovo, the President of CISM in his address said , "India is a huge country, a fascinating multi cultural, multi ethnic society promoting tolerance".
India has already reached the quarterfinals of football defeating Afghanistan in a bitterly contested match by a solitary goal scored.
The other teams in the last eight are hot favourite Brazil, Egypt, Guinea, Korea, Cameroon, Qatar and Ireland.
Russia has dominated the first three version of the games held so far.
However, while Russia is still expected to lead the medal tally, the second position will be bitterly contested between China, Italy and Germany.
The soldiers will be bitterly fighting for 1076 medals, 341 each in gold and silver whilst bronze will be 392 in 15 disciplines.