World Military Games in Hyd from Oct 14

Hyderabad, Sep 7 (UNI) Hyderabad has been selected to host yet another major event, the fourth World Military Games, from October 14 to 21, 2007.

President Abdul Kalam is expected to inaugurate the Games at the GMC Balayogi Stadium, Hyderabad.

After successfully hosting the National Science Congress, Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, All India Congress Committee Plenary Session and the Asian Development Bank General Body Meeting, Hyderabad is now gearing up for the World Military Games, in which 4000 military personnel from 120 countries would participate.

Southern Army Commander Aditya Singh today met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in his chambers and discussed the arrangements.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Mr Singh said the World Military Games were being held under the aegis of the Italy-based Confederation International Sports Military (CISM). The first three meets were held in European countries. 'It is for the first time outside Europe that the event is being organised and it has come to Hyderabad. India did not participated in the earlier meets and for the first time it will participate in Hyderabad', he said.

Mr Singh said competitions would be held in 15 disciplines and except three disciplines, all were being held at various venues. The water events would be held in Mumbai. Five events were purely of a military nature.

An organising committee had been formed under the aegis of the Union Defence Ministry. The likely cost of the games was estimated at around Rs 45 crore. 'The inaugural and closing functions would be held in GMC Balayogi Stadium. All military skills and traditional martial art forms would be displayed during these programmes'.

The President was expected to inaugurate the Games, he added Asked about the meeting with Chief Minister, Mr Singh said the latter had assured all possible help. 'Security of participants, policing and traffic regulations during the events and accomodation of participants were also discussed', he added.

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