Strict dope testing measures for Military World Games in India

New Delhi, June 7 (UNI) Strict dope testing measures will be followed during the conduct of forthcoming Military World Games (MWG), to ensure highest international standards in this sporting extravaganza, to be held in Hyderabad and Mumbai from October 14 to 21.

The decision was taken today after a high level meeting taken by the Defence Minister A K Anthony.

The Defence Minister assured full support from his ministry in the organisation of one of the biggest sporting event to be held in the country, saying ''the event must be conducted in the best possible manner and should provide a benchmark for all future Games in India.'' Samples of all record breaking winners, in addition to random samples, will be sent to special laboratories in Bangkok on a daily basis.

So far, nearly 4700 participants from 72 countries have confirmed their participation in the 15 events to be conducted at the fourth Edition of the Games which is going to be held for the first time in Asia. The largest contingents will be from the host country besides China and Germany while Europe will be sending the maximum number of countries, 34 out of 38 member nations, for the games which is seen as a precursor to the Olympic Games.

The MWG are conducted under the aegis of International Military Sports Council (CISM), Brussels (Belgium) at an interval of every four years. CISM is an International Sports Association, which is open to the armed forces of all nations.

The meeting was attended, among others, by the Minister of State for Defence Shri M M Pallam Raju, the Defence Secretary Shri Shekhar Dutt, the Vice Chief of Army Staff Lt General Deepak Kapur and senior functionaries of the Games Organizing committee.

UNI