Gen. Rodrigues flags off a wold military games

CHANDIGARH, MAY 13: As a precursor to 4th Military World Games 2007 scheduled, to be held at Hyderabad from October 14 to 21, an impressive Run for this international Mega Event, took off to a colourful start. It was flagged off by the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F.

Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, here today at Sukhna Lake, one of the main tourist spots of the City Beautiful, Chandigarh.

The event, marked with a delightful display of National spirit and Armed Forces activities including slithering of the Mascot to a floating platform, fly past by Army Helicopters and sky diving, attracted a massive civil participation of people from different walks of life, expressing their solidarity with our soldiers. Shedding off their Sunday morning languor, thousands of people, including men, women and children of all age groups, showed enough enthusiasm to converge at the banks of Sukhna Lake and Run for this prestigious international event being organized under the aegis of International Military Sports Council (CISM).

Accompanied by Mrs Jean Rodrigues, Lt. Gen. Daljit Singh, Goc-in-C of Western Command, Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Cooperation and Defence Service Welfare Minister of Punjab and other senior serving and retired army and civil officers, General Rodrigues walked from Sukhna Lake to Chandigarh war Memorial in Bouganvillea Garden, the culmination point of the Run, covering 1.5 kms.

The spectators gathered at the venue in large numbers extended a warm welcome to General Rodrigues and other dignitaries. Amidst playing the tunes of army and police bands, the paratroopers displayed their skills and a huge mascot "Bravo", the symbol of immense strength and vigour, was another attraction at the venue. General and Mrs. Rodrigues walked to the aesthetically decorated War Memorial site and participated in the concluding ceremony. They gave away the prizes to the winners of the race.

The Military World Games are conducted under the aegis of international military sports council every four years. This year these games are being hosted by the Indian Armed Forces and about 4000 participants and 1500 officials from more than 100 nations are participating in 15 sports disciplines during the games. All The events will be conducted at Hyderabad except the sailing and triathlon, which is planned to be conducted at Mumbai.

UNI