The Hindu : Sport : MWG: strong field for triathlon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Oct 13, 2007
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Sport - Sports : General

MWG: strong field for triathlon

Special Correspondent

MUMBAI: Triathletes aspiring for medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics will be among the performers at the fourth Military World Games (MWG) triathlon event in Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty on October 21.

Competitions will be held in individual, team (men’s and women’s) and mixed team (three men and two women participants). Triathlon involves three disciplines (1.5-km swimming followed by 40-km cycling and 10-km running).

Mumbai will also host the Enterprise Class sailing competitions at the Indian Naval Watermanship Training Centre, Pilot Bunder, Colaba, from October 14 to 21. Indian Navy is organising both disciplines.

According to Vice Admiral J.S. Bedi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command, 14 men triathletes out of 89 entries representing different countries at the MWG have qualified for the Olympics next year, along with 13 out of 34 women triathletes.

Indian line-up

The five Indian triathletes who will be in the fray are Sunil Bhise, Mani Singh, Jagdeesan, Akhil Sheikh and Vikas Shelke. They will be coached by Bhim Singh, Kaptan Singh and Nirmal.

The Indian sailing squad for the Games, featuring 33 nations, has R. Mahesh, G.L. Yadav, A. Arvind (reserve), R.S. Dhulaji (captain) and Balraj (trainer/coach).

Lt. Col. R.D. Singh of Bombay Sappers, trainer of the Indian Armed Forces triathlon teams, and Captain Homi Motivala, India’s only Arjuna, Dronacharya and Khel Ratna awardee, will be in charge of the triathlon and sailing competitions respectively, informed Captain (IN) Abhay Lambhate, Chief PRO, Defence Ministry, during a media briefing at Western Naval Command Officer’s Mess, Colaba.

Elite triathletes

The elite triathletes who have already gained Olympic qualification and will be competing in Mumbai represent Germany, Russia, Italy, USA, France, Belgium, Austria and China. Germany’s Stefen Justus and Joelle Franzmann are rated the best on the basis of Beijing qualification.

Pakistan has declined to take part though invitations had been sent.

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