MILITARY WORLD GAMES- 2007 GETS OFF TO A SPECTACULAR START:
NATIONS OTHERWISE IN CONFLICT COME TOGETHER THROUGH SPORTS
New Delhi: October 14, 2007
The Fourth CISM Military World Games, the biggest multi-sport international event of the year, got off to a spectacular start with a characteristic display of military pageantry, pomp and grandeur at the historic city of Hyderabad this evening. The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, declared the Games open at the GMC Balayogi stadium, Gachibowli in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The President released three commemorative postage stamps and a First Day Cover capturing the spirit of the Games on this occasion.
About 5000 military athletes from 101 countries are participating in the Military World Games, which is the biggest game after Olympics. This is the first time in the history of the Military World Games that more than 100 countries are participating to spread the message of the Game Friendship through Sport. The uniqueness of the Games can be measured from the fact that some nations that are otherwise in conflict with each other have got together and will be competing in the true spirit of sportsmanship.
A three-and-a-half hour grand opening ceremony marked the beginning of the week-long sporting extravaganza that concludes on October 21. A packed stadium of over 30000 spectators cheered and added to the festive spirit of Ramzan. Hyderabad also has the distinction of having hosted the 32nd National Games in 2002, and the 1st Afro-Asian Games in 2003.
The Governor of Andhra Pradesh Shri N D Tiwari, the Defence Minister of India Shri A K Antony, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Y S R Reddy, the Minister of State for Defence Shri M M Pallam Raju, the three Service Chiefs of the Indian Armed Forces, the President of CISM Brigadier General Gianni Gola were present on the occasion along with senior members of the armed forces from across the world.
The ceremony began with a display of military bands of the three services. They regaled the audience with various military tunes after which they formed the pattern of MWG. This was followed by a spectacular display by Sarang helicopter display team of IAF. Led by Wing Commander Shashank Misra, the four Dhruv helicopter formation team displayed Diamond formation, Inverted Glass formation and INDIA formation followed by their signature Sarang Split dedicating it to the sportsmen of the world. A Dhruv helicopter showered rose petals on the spectators ending their display.
Spectators were then treated to a display in military precision drill by 28 Air Warriors of the IAF who in a synchronized pattern toyed around with their rifles while performing several drill patterns.
An 11-member Akash Ganga skydiving team of IAF held the audience spellbound with their precise landings with their parachutes carrying the flags of the three Services, CISM, MWG-2007 and formed a pattern of the Indian tricolour breaking off just short of touchdown. Bravo, the mascot of the Games also landed from the sky to thunderous applause of the enthusiastic sports lovers in the stadium. The theme song of the Games Come Lets Play was played at the stadium which was composed and sung by Gaurav Mukherjee.
Leading the march-past was the contingent of soldiers depicting the dresses worn by the Indian Army over the years. The South African contingent was the first nation followed by the armed forces contingents of the remaining nations in French alphabetical order. Besides the hosts, Afghanitstan which is participating in the Games for the first time received huge applause when they marched past..
The Games flame was lit in a unique manner through remote. After carrying the torch into the stadium, Indias lone Olympian Silver medalist, Liutenant Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore lit the Flame which was at a distance of over hundred meters by placing the torch near cannon. Colonel Rathore was accompanied by Subedar Taran Deep Rai, Cyclist Sandeep Singh and Boxer Dingko Singh, all champion athletes of the Indian Armed Forces.
The Defence Minister Shri A. K. Antony in his speech said the armed forces have taken to sports in a big way and today sports was an integral part of training in armed forces across the country. Expressing confidence that organizing these games would yield rich dividends and enhance the countries sporting abilities, Mr Antony hoped that all sportsmen would take home fond memories of visit to India.
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri YSR Reddy expressed a deep sense of pride at hosting the prestigious event at capital city Hyderabad. Shri Reddy said the Indian military, other agencies and his government had complemented each others efforts in organizing the event. The CISM President Brigadier General Gianni Gola in a spirited speech complimented India for the wonderful display that has been presented in front of the world. He said the spectacle that has come through is a miracle considering the short notice at which these games are being held here. He termed coming together of more than 100 countries as an unforgettable emotion.
An enchanting cultural show depicting the cultural tradition of Andhra Pradesh was presented by enthusiastic Lambada dancers. The troupes wearing bright red and yellow costumes, sporting torch flames and peacock feathers danced energetically to an applauding audience. The crowd was witness to three up and coming musical stars - Beni Prasad with his melodious violin, Mansi Scott with her album 'Nachle' and Karunya, entertained the audience. The event ended with a dazzling laser show and the city sky was lit up with a spectacular firework display.
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