The Hindu : Sport : Aiming for a secure Games

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 10, 2007
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Sport - Sports : General

Aiming for a secure Games

HYDERABAD: The calm demeanour of Brigadier M. Ramesh Babu, Chairman, Security Committee, Military World Games (MWG), was enough to instil confidence among the general public for the week-long spectacle, set to unfold here from October 14.

While the aim was to conduct a secure and successful Games, nothing has been left to chance, he said at a press conference here on Tuesday. The thrust was on deterrence and prevention of untoward incidents, while being prepared for every eventuality.

Despite the recent incidents in the Twin Cities, the participation in the current MWG had touched an all-time high, indicating the confidence visiting countries had in the security arrangements in place here, he said.

The cantonment areas would be patrolled by the armed forces and the civilian sections by the police in a clear division of responsibilities, he added.

N. Hanumanth Rao, IG, Intelligence and Nodal Officer, MWG, said about 17,000 police personnel would be on duty, with anti-sabotage teams from other States such as Tamil Nadu assisting them.

Six baggage scanners in the GMC Balayogi stadium alone will form part of some sophisticated surveillance equipment to be used in bomb detection, communication coverage and the closed circuit TV network.

Security escort

Police officers would be in every vehicle and while every group, whether heading for the venues or only for practice, would have security escort, he said.

D.J. Narain, Vice-Chairman, Media Promotion, said 103 nations had confirmed their participation for what would be the biggest sports congregation in India, comprising 6000 participants, thousands of volunteers and 25,000 armed forces personnel, detailed to keep tabs on the Games. — Special Correspondent

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