PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU (DEFENCE WING)

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

*****

TOP ATHLETES TO PARTICIPATE IN MILITARY WORLD GAMES

Hyderabad: October 13, 2007

The sports lovers of the city can witness the top athletes of the world in action in next few days with 4^th Military World Games kick starting here tomorrow. Jossinet Frederique of Germany (Olympic Games 2004 Silver medallist in Judo), Kovago Zoltan of Hungary (Olympic Games 2004 Silver medallist in Track & Field Discus), Rajmond Debeuec of Slovenia (Olympic Games 2000 Gold medallist in Shooting), Pecha Peter of Slovenia (Olympic Games 2004 Bronze medallist in Wrestling FS) and Urska Zolnir of Slovenia (Olympic Games 2004 Bronze medallist in Judo) have confirmed their participation in the Hyderabad Games. Gigon Marie Louise of France who has obtained Olympic Quota for Beijing Olympic Games 2008 in Triathlon would also be participating.

Indian contingent would also have strong participation from the military athletes who have excelled themselves in recent international events. India is expected to win medals in Athletics, Wrestling, Sailing, Boxing and Shooting. India had first participated in the 3 ^rd Military World Games 2003 at Catania in Itlay, with a representation of 19 players. It participated in Boxing, Cycling, Swimming, Diving and Sailing. Khemanand Belewal had won a Bronze medal in Boxing, who would be representing the country in these Games also.

Pemba Tamang winner of Gold in Rapid Fire Pistol (T) and Silver in Rapid Fire Pistol (I), Vijay Kumar winner of Gold in both Rapid Fire Pistol (I) and Rapid Fire Pistol (T) in the 18 ^th Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 2006 are taking part in the Games. Maj Smt. S Kumari, Gold medalist in Sports Pistol (T) in the 18^th Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 2006 would be representing the host country.

V Johnson, Bronze medalist in Boxing (above 91 kg category) at the 15^th Asian Games 2006, Doha; 18^th Commonwealth Games, Melbourne 2006 and CISM Boxing Championship 2006 at Warendorf is a strong medal prospect for India. KL Yadav, Gold medalist in Wrestling (below 54 kg), Manoj Kumar, Gold medalist in Wrestling (below 84 kg) and Ashok Kumar, Silver medalist in Wrestling (above 96 kg) are expected to fetch medals for the country.

R Mahesh, GL Yadav and SS Chouhan, all Silver medalists in Racing category of Sailing (T) discipline at 15^th Asian Games, Doha 2006 would be strong favourites to bring laurels to the country.