Pomp, pageantry and precision marked the opening ceremony of the fourth Military World Games at the GMC Balayogi stadium on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Sunday evening.
The stadium which has played host to the 32nd National Games and then the Afro-Asian Games, was once again the focus of international attention.
Athletes, officials and officers of the armed forces from more than 100 countries across the world were present at the venue.
The roads leading to the ground were packed with vehicles and by the roadside were numerous banners and hoardings heralding the conduct of the games.
The programme began with a fine show put up by the Military Bands and Air Warriors drill display which set the mood for an exciting evening.
After the arrival of the President Pratibha Patil and the VIPs, the strains of the National anthem floated across the ground. The sky diving display which followed had the spectators enthralled. The Akash Ganga team parachuted onto the ground carrying flags of the three wings of the defence services among others.
That was when the mascot, Bravo, made his appearance. He too floated into the stadium following the parachutists.This was followed by the contingents marching in. It was not the formal marching style usually associated with the marching displays of the armed forces.
The participants walked into the stadium in a relaxed style and after all the contingents had trooped in, the entire ground was a sea of colours.
The loudest cheer was, of course, for the Indian contingent, which marched in smartly with an air of confidence.
After the President declared the Games open, the Games flame was set alight by a spectacular and unusual method. India’s Olympic silver medalllist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore jogged into the stadium with the torch. He then set off a cannon placed on the ground in front of the main stands with his torch.
Following this the main torch, standing high at the far end of the ground, immediately burst into flames.
The soaring flames seemed to signify the aspirations of the sportspersons who have geared themselves up for the competitions that get underway on Monday.
After the oath was taken on behalf of the athletes by Capt. Tushar Tomar, there followed a grand show of cultural programmes featuring dance troupes from the host State and various popular singers.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Do's and Dont's For Participants and Officials
Introduction
Every nation has a distinct nature of its culture and tradition. And when it comes to a vast country like India so a lot of care needs to be taken. As it is a country of diverse cultures so visiting India itself requires you to fulfill certain things and also to refrain from certain things so that you do not land yourself into trouble. By following these do's and don't your travel will become really smooth and also safe. It is always better that we be on the safer side. India Do's and Don't are very important for the visitors who come from outside. India being the only place where you can expect the unexpected is a land of vast diversities in each and every field and feature. The India Do's and Don't are important for the Indian tourists also.
The Do's
When it comes to visit India then it is the list of the do's that one should first keep in mind. There are certain social conventions that you should follow so as not to hurt the Indian sentiments. One of the most important is the greeting. In India people greet each other by saying "Namaste" while folding hands together. Before entering any temple you are required to remove your footwear. Women are expected to dress modestly as matter of decency. Short skirts and tight or revealing clothes are not acceptable in the Indian society. Before making a tour you should necessarily have a local guide who is from India. There are even English speaking guides available. So visitors who are from outside India would find it comfortable to converse.
The Don't
There are a lot of things that you need to take care while touring in India. The first and the foremost thing are not to do any sort of obscene acts on the roads. Regarding the tour the visitors are strongly advised not to travel to the terrorist affected places in the Jammu and Kashmir. While importing any sort of animals, livestock and pig meat products are strictly prohibited. Also refrain from traveling into the rural areas in the monsoon season, as there are many chances of hazards like landslides etc being caused.
The following is a list of the do's and don'ts for tourists visiting India.
Do:
Please always carry a copy of your passport, travel visa, air tickets, travel insurance, credit cards, driving license (or some other identity proof) with photo and other travel documents.
All foreign nationals must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (cash or travellers cheques). This can be paid in rupees if the visitor has a bank receipt as proof of currency exchange.
Exchange money only through authorised banks or moneychangers.
Insist on a receipt when exchanging money.
Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India.
Follow the safety rules while traveling anywhere. Keep your luggage with you and do not leave them unattended or do not handover the same to any unknown person or unidentified porters and guides. While going to public places, keep the valuables in your hotel. Hotel lockers may be used.
Do remember to check your travel documents before starting the journey and update all important telephone numbers in your diary, apart from storing emergency numbers (Police assistance, Ambulance service, local contact person etc.) in your cell-phone, if you choose to carry one.
While driving, follow the traffic rules, keep left.
In case of taxis and auto-rickshaws, try to hire them from the pre-paid booths, if possible. Otherwise, insist on going by the meter and check the readings regularly to ensure that the fare is correct. In case there are no meters or the meters are dysfunctional, set a fare in advance to avoid being fleeced later on.
In addition, the above fares change from time to time and so will not always conform to readings on the meter. To avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart and pay accordingly.
In case of any difficulty contact the nearest tourist office or police station.
Concessionary tickets such as Indrail Pass on Railways, Youth Fare, Discover India Fare and Air Fare (Indian Airlines) are to be purchased in foreign exchange only.
English is spoken at almost tourist destination in India these days. However, if you want, you may hire Government-trained and approved guides who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian.
If you wish to visit any prohibited or restricted areas, check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office to ascertain details of the formalities required.
Check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office the rules regarding photography at archaeological monuments.
Try to avoid the touts and brokers of shopkeepers.
Do carry sun glasses, sun screen and a hat.
While in India, please mind photography at the airports, railway stations, military areas and other places where it is prohibited.
Treat the National Parks as they are sanctum sanctorum of our precious natural heritage.
Obtain permits from the Chief Wildlife Warden for those having interest in photography/ videography/ investigation inside a sanctuary or a Marine National Park.
Export of most wildlife and their products is either banned or strictly regulated. Export of the few permissible items - even as passengers' personal luggage - is allowed only under an appropriate export permit.
Insist on getting a certificate for the legitimate sale of a particular animal product and permission for its export to avoid inconvenience on departure.
Consult life guards before entering the sea.
Swim in safe areas only.
Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forest. This will make your visit more enjoyable.
Shopping is recommended from Government Emporia and suggested shops on the list of the Department of Tourism. Information on these can be obtained from tourist offices in India.
Make sure to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. Some temples in India will not even allow you to carry leather articles inside. You can deposit them in the temple cloakroom and collect it on your way out.
It is obligatory to cover your head before entering Sikh shrines.
Indian people are quite hospitable and friendly. Do not feel offended if they stare at you. It is just curiosity on their part. Most of the people will also go out of the way to help tourists and properly guide them.
It is advisable for you to carry your own medicines. Almost all medicines in India are locally manufactured and you may not find the same brand names. However, you may easily set substitute products here. But take the advice of reputed druggists or doctors for the purpose.
If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have adequate supply of both prescription/s and pills for the entire duration of your India tour and perhaps a little extra to cover unforeseen delay periods during travel etc. Do remember to carry a doctor's certificate along with you to avoid possible problems with any customs checking procedures in India.
It is not entirely unsafe to travel in India. You just have to take some precautions like avoiding isolated places, not going out after its too late, etc.
The electric current in India is 220/ 250 volts and 50 cycles. It is AC practically everywhere. Carry converters if you have some electric equipment with you.
Dont feel offended if Indians ask you some personal questions like how much do you earn, are you married, do you have kids, etc. They are just a little curious and mean no offence. It is just their way of getting friendly.
First-time travelers to India may well be fascinated by the exotic array of spices, cuisines and affordability of street and hotel food, but it is inadvisable to eat spicy Indian food without sampling a bit first or affirming the extent of spice-blends used with the chef/service attendant.
Mineral water is your best companion while in India's tropical climate and is your safest bet for keeping various contaminated-water related ailments.
Please remember that banks in India function from Monday to Friday from 1000 hours to 1230 hours (some also function post-lunch, but you may need to consult your tour operator for specific bank details) while Government and administrative offices in India function from 0930 to 1700 hours on weekdays. So, please make arrangements for bank transactions and business dealings with either group keeping these timings in mind.
Don't:
Don't get lured by shopping bargains on the street.
Don't exchange money except with an authorised moneychanger.
Never ever purchase air/ rail/ bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators, also known as touts. They are not at all reliable. Buy tickets from the authorized centers only.
Don't encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
Don't buy silver/ivory articles or peacock feathers in bulk.
Don't wear any footwear inside Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Jain places of worship. Some temples do not permit leather articles to be taken in.
Men should never touch women in public, even to help a woman out of a car, unless the lady is very elderly or infirm.
Married couples in Asia do not hug, hold hands or kiss in public. Even embracing at airports and train stations is considered out of the question
Drinking alcohol or smoking in public, no matter how innocent, are interpreted as a sign of moral laxity.
Foreign nationals may not enter the islands without permit.
Do not enter the National Parks without permission.
Do not take pictures of the airport, government dockyard, defence establishments, naval wharf etc
Do not collect, destroy or remove any living or dead animal/plant.
Do not take video or film without permit, wherever such permits are required.
Do not take video, film or photographs inside Tribal Reserve areas or of the indigenous tribes.
Person who commits breach of any of the conditions of the Wildlife protections shall be punishable by law.
Every nation has a distinct nature of its culture and tradition. And when it comes to a vast country like India so a lot of care needs to be taken. As it is a country of diverse cultures so visiting India itself requires you to fulfill certain things and also to refrain from certain things so that you do not land yourself into trouble. By following these do's and don't your travel will become really smooth and also safe. It is always better that we be on the safer side. India Do's and Don't are very important for the visitors who come from outside. India being the only place where you can expect the unexpected is a land of vast diversities in each and every field and feature. The India Do's and Don't are important for the Indian tourists also.
The Do's
When it comes to visit India then it is the list of the do's that one should first keep in mind. There are certain social conventions that you should follow so as not to hurt the Indian sentiments. One of the most important is the greeting. In India people greet each other by saying "Namaste" while folding hands together. Before entering any temple you are required to remove your footwear. Women are expected to dress modestly as matter of decency. Short skirts and tight or revealing clothes are not acceptable in the Indian society. Before making a tour you should necessarily have a local guide who is from India. There are even English speaking guides available. So visitors who are from outside India would find it comfortable to converse.
The Don't
There are a lot of things that you need to take care while touring in India. The first and the foremost thing are not to do any sort of obscene acts on the roads. Regarding the tour the visitors are strongly advised not to travel to the terrorist affected places in the Jammu and Kashmir. While importing any sort of animals, livestock and pig meat products are strictly prohibited. Also refrain from traveling into the rural areas in the monsoon season, as there are many chances of hazards like landslides etc being caused.
The following is a list of the do's and don'ts for tourists visiting India.
Do:
Please always carry a copy of your passport, travel visa, air tickets, travel insurance, credit cards, driving license (or some other identity proof) with photo and other travel documents.
All foreign nationals must pay hotel bills in foreign currency (cash or travellers cheques). This can be paid in rupees if the visitor has a bank receipt as proof of currency exchange.
Exchange money only through authorised banks or moneychangers.
Insist on a receipt when exchanging money.
Retain all receipts to facilitate re-conversion of unspent money on departure from India.
Follow the safety rules while traveling anywhere. Keep your luggage with you and do not leave them unattended or do not handover the same to any unknown person or unidentified porters and guides. While going to public places, keep the valuables in your hotel. Hotel lockers may be used.
Do remember to check your travel documents before starting the journey and update all important telephone numbers in your diary, apart from storing emergency numbers (Police assistance, Ambulance service, local contact person etc.) in your cell-phone, if you choose to carry one.
While driving, follow the traffic rules, keep left.
In case of taxis and auto-rickshaws, try to hire them from the pre-paid booths, if possible. Otherwise, insist on going by the meter and check the readings regularly to ensure that the fare is correct. In case there are no meters or the meters are dysfunctional, set a fare in advance to avoid being fleeced later on.
In addition, the above fares change from time to time and so will not always conform to readings on the meter. To avoid confusion, insist on seeing the latest fare chart and pay accordingly.
In case of any difficulty contact the nearest tourist office or police station.
Concessionary tickets such as Indrail Pass on Railways, Youth Fare, Discover India Fare and Air Fare (Indian Airlines) are to be purchased in foreign exchange only.
English is spoken at almost tourist destination in India these days. However, if you want, you may hire Government-trained and approved guides who also speak German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Italian or Russian.
If you wish to visit any prohibited or restricted areas, check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office to ascertain details of the formalities required.
Check with the nearest Government of India Tourist Office the rules regarding photography at archaeological monuments.
Try to avoid the touts and brokers of shopkeepers.
Do carry sun glasses, sun screen and a hat.
While in India, please mind photography at the airports, railway stations, military areas and other places where it is prohibited.
Treat the National Parks as they are sanctum sanctorum of our precious natural heritage.
Obtain permits from the Chief Wildlife Warden for those having interest in photography/ videography/ investigation inside a sanctuary or a Marine National Park.
Export of most wildlife and their products is either banned or strictly regulated. Export of the few permissible items - even as passengers' personal luggage - is allowed only under an appropriate export permit.
Insist on getting a certificate for the legitimate sale of a particular animal product and permission for its export to avoid inconvenience on departure.
Consult life guards before entering the sea.
Swim in safe areas only.
Learn more about reefs, other marine life and tropical forest. This will make your visit more enjoyable.
Shopping is recommended from Government Emporia and suggested shops on the list of the Department of Tourism. Information on these can be obtained from tourist offices in India.
Make sure to remove your footwear when visiting a place of worship or mausoleum. Some temples in India will not even allow you to carry leather articles inside. You can deposit them in the temple cloakroom and collect it on your way out.
It is obligatory to cover your head before entering Sikh shrines.
Indian people are quite hospitable and friendly. Do not feel offended if they stare at you. It is just curiosity on their part. Most of the people will also go out of the way to help tourists and properly guide them.
It is advisable for you to carry your own medicines. Almost all medicines in India are locally manufactured and you may not find the same brand names. However, you may easily set substitute products here. But take the advice of reputed druggists or doctors for the purpose.
If you are on prescription medication, please ensure you have adequate supply of both prescription/s and pills for the entire duration of your India tour and perhaps a little extra to cover unforeseen delay periods during travel etc. Do remember to carry a doctor's certificate along with you to avoid possible problems with any customs checking procedures in India.
It is not entirely unsafe to travel in India. You just have to take some precautions like avoiding isolated places, not going out after its too late, etc.
The electric current in India is 220/ 250 volts and 50 cycles. It is AC practically everywhere. Carry converters if you have some electric equipment with you.
Dont feel offended if Indians ask you some personal questions like how much do you earn, are you married, do you have kids, etc. They are just a little curious and mean no offence. It is just their way of getting friendly.
First-time travelers to India may well be fascinated by the exotic array of spices, cuisines and affordability of street and hotel food, but it is inadvisable to eat spicy Indian food without sampling a bit first or affirming the extent of spice-blends used with the chef/service attendant.
Mineral water is your best companion while in India's tropical climate and is your safest bet for keeping various contaminated-water related ailments.
Please remember that banks in India function from Monday to Friday from 1000 hours to 1230 hours (some also function post-lunch, but you may need to consult your tour operator for specific bank details) while Government and administrative offices in India function from 0930 to 1700 hours on weekdays. So, please make arrangements for bank transactions and business dealings with either group keeping these timings in mind.
Don't:
Don't get lured by shopping bargains on the street.
Don't exchange money except with an authorised moneychanger.
Never ever purchase air/ rail/ bus tickets through strangers or unauthorized travel agents/ tour operators, also known as touts. They are not at all reliable. Buy tickets from the authorized centers only.
Don't encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
Don't buy silver/ivory articles or peacock feathers in bulk.
Don't wear any footwear inside Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Jain places of worship. Some temples do not permit leather articles to be taken in.
Men should never touch women in public, even to help a woman out of a car, unless the lady is very elderly or infirm.
Married couples in Asia do not hug, hold hands or kiss in public. Even embracing at airports and train stations is considered out of the question
Drinking alcohol or smoking in public, no matter how innocent, are interpreted as a sign of moral laxity.
Foreign nationals may not enter the islands without permit.
Do not enter the National Parks without permission.
Do not take pictures of the airport, government dockyard, defence establishments, naval wharf etc
Do not collect, destroy or remove any living or dead animal/plant.
Do not take video or film without permit, wherever such permits are required.
Do not take video, film or photographs inside Tribal Reserve areas or of the indigenous tribes.
Person who commits breach of any of the conditions of the Wildlife protections shall be punishable by law.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
A Reception Cell has been established at AOC Centre to receive Service and Ministries Officers
A Reception Cell has been established at AOC Centre to receive Service and Ministries Officers .
Secretary General Military
World Games MWG Sectt,
Kota House, New Delhi
Ph:011-23384203
Email: secgen@mwg2007.org
Contact Person: Col PL Sharma
Telephone No: 040-27737737
Fax No: +91-040-27717376
Mobile:- +91-9490938234
email:- reception@mwg2007.org
Secretary General Military
World Games MWG Sectt,
Kota House, New Delhi
Ph:011-23384203
Email: secgen@mwg2007.org
Contact Person: Col PL Sharma
Telephone No: 040-27737737
Fax No: +91-040-27717376
Mobile:- +91-9490938234
email:- reception@mwg2007.org
4th CISM Military World Games, Hyderabad, Mumbai, INDIA
Hyderabad Awaits Military World Games
Hyderabad is all set to host the Fourth Military World Games, in short MWG ? 07, which shall bring to the fore the sporting talent of sportsmen from the armies of more than 80 countries. With five weeks to go the civil administration and the military are fully prepared to showcase the breathtaking City of Nizams as a destination for sports enthusiasts across the world. The sporting extravaganza scheduled to be held from 14th Oct to 21st Oct 07 at the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, will witness 6000 athletes from more than 80 countries. The event will be closely followed by print and electronic media across the globe.It is for the first time that India and the city of Nizams shall play host to a sporting event of such a magnitude. The technological and industrial might of the city will be showcased to the entire world. The city has seen a rapid growth in all sectors and is one of the most preferred destinations for aspiring young professionals. It is now prepared to play a perfect host to sports enthusiasts of all nations and will herald a new era in the sporting annals of India.
The city of Hyderabad is known for its hospitality and has a past that reflects its spirit of unity and solidarity. It is a tribute to secular fabric of the city that people have co-existed in peace here for hundreds of years. The recent twin blasts in the city was an isolated incident and has not affected the vibrant nature of the twin cities. The city despite the twin blasts and deplorable designs of terrorists has shown its forbearance and is awaiting the MWG 07 in Oct 07. Families out for fun, couples savouring a special biryani, vendors doing business into late night, colleges and schools brimming with activity and children thronging playfields continue to be the hallmark of the city as always. People old and young move about freely at odd hours both for buisness and pleasure.The talk in all parts of the city and state shows the eagerness with which all citizens are looking forward to the Military World Games and nothing will distract the people from their enthusiasm for the games. Be it the Army or the civil fraternity of the city, everyone is working overtime to make the Military World Games a reverberating success. The collective might of the people who want peace and harmony is much greater and stronger than any individual or terrorist organization which is attempting to tarnish the secular credentials of the city.
Hyderabad is haven?t let their guard down and will ensure the success of MWG -07. In the days to come, Hyderabad will play a perfect host to our brethren from various corners of the world. The celebrations at Raksha Bandhan and Janamashatami have truly represented the secular ethos of Hyderabad. The brisk activity at various tourist locations and commercial districts of the city is an indication of festivities ahead, one of them definitely being Military World Games.
Hyderabad is all set to host the Fourth Military World Games, in short MWG ? 07, which shall bring to the fore the sporting talent of sportsmen from the armies of more than 80 countries. With five weeks to go the civil administration and the military are fully prepared to showcase the breathtaking City of Nizams as a destination for sports enthusiasts across the world. The sporting extravaganza scheduled to be held from 14th Oct to 21st Oct 07 at the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, will witness 6000 athletes from more than 80 countries. The event will be closely followed by print and electronic media across the globe.It is for the first time that India and the city of Nizams shall play host to a sporting event of such a magnitude. The technological and industrial might of the city will be showcased to the entire world. The city has seen a rapid growth in all sectors and is one of the most preferred destinations for aspiring young professionals. It is now prepared to play a perfect host to sports enthusiasts of all nations and will herald a new era in the sporting annals of India.
The city of Hyderabad is known for its hospitality and has a past that reflects its spirit of unity and solidarity. It is a tribute to secular fabric of the city that people have co-existed in peace here for hundreds of years. The recent twin blasts in the city was an isolated incident and has not affected the vibrant nature of the twin cities. The city despite the twin blasts and deplorable designs of terrorists has shown its forbearance and is awaiting the MWG 07 in Oct 07. Families out for fun, couples savouring a special biryani, vendors doing business into late night, colleges and schools brimming with activity and children thronging playfields continue to be the hallmark of the city as always. People old and young move about freely at odd hours both for buisness and pleasure.The talk in all parts of the city and state shows the eagerness with which all citizens are looking forward to the Military World Games and nothing will distract the people from their enthusiasm for the games. Be it the Army or the civil fraternity of the city, everyone is working overtime to make the Military World Games a reverberating success. The collective might of the people who want peace and harmony is much greater and stronger than any individual or terrorist organization which is attempting to tarnish the secular credentials of the city.
Hyderabad is haven?t let their guard down and will ensure the success of MWG -07. In the days to come, Hyderabad will play a perfect host to our brethren from various corners of the world. The celebrations at Raksha Bandhan and Janamashatami have truly represented the secular ethos of Hyderabad. The brisk activity at various tourist locations and commercial districts of the city is an indication of festivities ahead, one of them definitely being Military World Games.
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