Rathore to carry torch as India hosts 2007 World Military Games

New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) Despite shot gun events not featuring in the list of disciplines, ace marksman Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore would grace the fourth Military World Games (MWG) as torch bearer when the extragavanza is held for the first time in Asia at the twins venues of Hyderabad and Mumbai in October next year.

''Unfortunately, the shooting events include only pistol and big bore events and not shot gun. Anyway, Rathore would still be there as torch-bearer and he would light the ceremonial lamp,'' secretary general of the MWG Organising Committee Commodore Joshi told reporters here today.

More than 6000 participants from nearly 125 countries are expected to arrive in India to compete in 15 events and India, yet to open their medal account in the last three editions of the once-in-four-years event, is hoping not only to break the duck but also to reap a rich harvest, in the October 14-21 event.

Minister of State, Defence, Pallam Raju today unveiled the logo and mascot -- Bravo the Bison -- and said the sheer magnitude of the Games made it a significant event for the country.

''We have hosted Asian Games and Afro-Asian Games and MWG would be a significant event before we host the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

''It would be an opportunity to display our rich cultural heritage and I hope three services would conduct the Games with military pricision,'' he told reporters.

Hyderabad would be the main venue but sailing and triathlon events would take polace in Mumbai, Commodore Joshi informed.

The Military Sports would include military pentathlon, shooting and parachuting, while football, handball, volleyball, triathlon, sailing, swimming and track and field events would see stiff competition.

Judo, boxing and wrestling would feature in the Combat Sports category, while hockey and kabaddi would also be there but as demonstration sports.

Venues in Hyderabad include Gachibowli Stadium, Yousufguda Indoor Stadium, Saroor Nagar Municipal Indoor Stadium, Lal Bahadur Stadium, University Shooting Range, Golconda Artillery Centre and Secunderabad Army establishment.

In Mumbai, Naval Sailing Club and Marine Drive will be the venue for sailing and triathlon.

The organisers exuded confidence of India doing well in the MWG and said they would be banking on shooters, wrestlers, boxers, sailors and parachuters.

''It has been found that 25 per cent of the Olympic medallists are from the military and in our case too, our sailors and wrestlers have won medals in Asian Games. That gives us immense confidence of doing well and the home support would also keep our athletes motivated,'' Commodore Joshi said.

Army chief JJ Singh too expected India would do well and informed that Army's Mission Olympics project was already showing signs of success.

''In a national-level shooting competition, one of our girls won the gold medal, recording more than what Anjali Bhagwat scored. That speaks volume of the talent pool we have,'' he said.

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