Countdown begins for World Military Games in city

Hyderabad, July 8 (UNI) 'Challo Hyderabad' rally is a countdown event to mark 100 days to the Fourth CISM Military World game scheduled to beheld in Hydearbad from October 14 to 21 2007 under the aegis of Bison Division Hyderabad.

State Minister for Defence M M Pallam Raju flagged off the rally at Gachibowli Sports Complex near here today which would travel through 1800 kms in 21 districts.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Raju said out of 128 members in the CISM, 78 have so far confirmed their entires for the coveted event. .

He said USA and China were among other countries participating in the event, though confirmation was yet to be received from Pakistan.

The Central Government had allocated Rs 127.69 crore for the event, in which so far 5000 sportsmen, including 500 officials would take part.

The minister urged the state government to upgrade the available infrastructure facilities.

Mr Ramanarayan Reddy, State Minister and former State Sports Council Chairman, said, for the upgradation and beautification of the stadia, the government would spend about Rs five to seven crore.

The government has also allocated Rs 40 crores to conduct the game, he informed.

Mr Ramanarayan also said the government would promote sports tourism in the state. In addition to this, Central Government had sanctioned Rs.10 crore to the state government for the smooth conduct of the coming event, he added..

Chief of Army Staff Gen JJ Singh, was among others, present on the occasion.

UNI