India expect atleast a dozen medals in MWG

Nevertheless, the Indian armed forces, as hosts of the event, are trying to make most of the occasion and “derive home advantage and benefit”, as the Games Technical Conduct Committee chairman Brigadier Sarvesh Dangwal, said.

According to his estimation, it would be “a bagful” for the largest contingent of the Games — 225. In all these cases, the figures include both athletes and officials representing each country.

Brig Dangwal admitted he was optimistic about India winning at least a dozen medals, considering the preparation that has gone into shaping them for the Hyderabad Games.

“All these athletes have been preparing intensely at various cantonments and at the Army Institute of Sports in Pune for the past 18 months. It’s definitely going to be the best ever performance by our athletes,” he said. “However, the actual build-up begins from tomorrow in Hyderabad, for all expect those who are in the national camp.”

On anti-doping measures at the Games, he said there will be 156 random tests done apart from tests on record-breaking performers. All dope samples will be sent to the Penang laboratory for tests,” he said.

For effect, some more figures were added during the media briefing by the brigadier.

That is, ever since India signed a contract with CISM, the world body, in November 2005, India had only 23 months to prepare for the Games to be hosted here. Probably, that sums up why ‘Bravo’ has been chosen as the Games mascot.

Meanwhile, the brigadier also said that of the 13 disciplines at the Games, 11 will be conducted in Hyderabad while two- sailing and triathlon — will be in Mumbai. And India hope to win medals in atleast six of them.

India have a lone boxing medal to show from the previous Games in Catania in Italy, courtesy Khemanand Belewal, but this time around they expect medals in wrestling, water sports, shooting and athletics.

But the attraction of the Games, he iterated, will be the military pentathlon with five degrees of difficulty along with parachuting where the athletes will be tested for group aesthetics and accuracy.

The brigadier also brushed aside any security fears saying it had been taken care of. “For the moment, I can only say it is excellent. I can’t reveal anything for security reasons,” he added.