Rio-de-Janerio to host '2011 World Military Games'

Mumbai, Aug 25 (UNI) Rio de Janeiro will host the fifth 'Military World Games' in 2011, Military World Games (WMG)&Couseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) President Brigadier General Gianni Gola announced here.

Interacting with media persons at the Naval Sailing Club yesterday, Gen Gola said, ''The WMG is an important event to promote peace, understanding and goodwill through sports among military persons and member countries.'' On the role of the International Olympic Committee, the General said the sports body is supporting the event by sponsoring the travel and lodging expenses of cadets and officers from poor member countries.

''We are trying our level best to get the participation of military personnels from 100 member countries, so as to send a strong message of peace and goodwill,'' informed Gen Gola.

Gen Gola, who is on a short visit to the Western Fleet Base pinpointed that preparations by India for the upcoming 4th WMG which is to be held from October 14 to 21 in Mumbai and Hyderabad have been excellent.

The WMG events of sailing and triathlon will be held in Mumbai.

The event will be conducted in international enterprise class of boats, which has two sails and each team will have a crew of two members. While, the triathlon comprising swimming (1500 meters), cycling (40 Km) and running (10 Km) will be held at Girgaum Chowpatty and between Marine Drive and Wilson college.

WMG founded in 1948 has 128 member countries. India joined the league very recently and will be holding the WMG event for the first time as a member country.

Earlier, Rome hosted the 1st WMG in 1995 followed by Croatia and Italy in 1999 and 2003 respectively.

UNI