Military World Games curtain-raiser in Bhopal

Bhopal, Mar 13 (UNI) A 'Run for Fun, Friendship and World Peace' will be organised here on March 27 by the 3 Electronics and Mechanical Engineers Centre as a curtain-raiser to the 4th Military World Games, a week-long affair to be held at Mumbai and Hyderabad from October 14.

''The Military World Games will send a message of solidarity overcoming differences and contrast, strengthen links between countries and athletes and promote friendship and world peace through sports,'' said 21 'Sudarshan Chakra' Corps General Officer Commanding Major-General V K Dutta, as per a release issued here.

Seven medalists of the 33rd National Games and two coaches were felicitated yesterday at the 3 EME Centre, in nearby Bairagarh, by Madhya Pradesh Commerce and Industry Minister Babulal Gaur. Among those present was Centre Commandant Brigadier P C Joshi.

The Run, in which citizens -- including school and college students -- will take part, is to begin at the Old Vidhan Sabha and conclude at the Boat Club.

''The race will have two parts, one as competition for athletes of the 18-21 years age-group and the second will be a Run for Fun,'' explained Brig Joshi.

Athletes would also compete in a marathon that would also be flagged off from the Old Vidhan Sabha.

Colonel R K Gupta provided details of fresh initiatives for the Sailing Academy and the EME Centre's Adventure Sports Gallery.

The International Military Sports Council entrusted the organisation of the 2007 Games to the Indian Armed Forces. As many as 127 countries have been invited and more than 100 are expected to take part. The 2007 Games adopted the bison as the mascot and christened it Bravo.

As many as 120 countries took part in the 3rd Military World Games in Italy during 2003. Personnel compete in military and non-military events, the release added.

UNI