Pakistan has done a mistake by refusing to participate in the Military World Games, being held in Hyderabad from October 14 to 21, a top official of the organising committee said on Friday.
"I do not understand why Pakistan is staying away. We have tried our best to convince them. They have lost an opportunity to create friendly atmosphere," Brigadier General Dr Gianni Gola, President of Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), told reporters in Hyderabad.
The CISM or International Council for Military Sports, which is organising the second largest sporting event after Olympics, has membership of the Armed Forces of 127 countries.
As many as 5,126 participants from 102 countries will vie for top honours in 13 disciplines at the 4th Military World Games, being hosted by India for the first time.
Pakistan had participated in the previous three editions of the Military Games but chose to stay away this time around, despite repeated reminders sent by CISM.
Following this, the CISM rejected Pakistan's proposal to host the General Assembly of the International sporting body in 2009.
We have told them that it will be impossible for us to consider their proposal (to host CISM meeting) if they fail to participate in the games here, Gola said.
Asked why the Asian country had refused to take part in the games, he said, "They (Pakistan) have not given any reasons for their absence. We tried to convince their military chiefs to follow the example set by the civilian sports that India and Pakistan are playing. They have done a mistake and we will underline this," Gola said.
He, however, said he was more than happy with the response as 102 countries were participating in the games whose motto is friendship through sports.
On whether he was satisfied with security arrangements in the backdrop of the recent bomb blasts, the CISM chief replied in the affirmative.
"I am one hundred per cent sure that authorities here are doing their best. I am very optimistic, he said. China and Germany are sending the largest contingents, with over 200 athletes each, while India is fielding 196 participants.
Lt Gen Chhabra, Director General (Operations and Administration), Military World Games and Director General, military training and Maj Gen B K Ahluwalia were also present at the press conference.
The Military World Games are held once in four years under the aegis of Brussels-based CISM, the second largest sporting body after International Olympic Association.
The games were first held in Rome in 1995, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II and the ratification of the UN Charter. The second Military World Games were held in Zagreb, Croatia (August 1999) and the third again in Italy (December 2003).
The Games, which are being held for the first time outside Europe, will showcase the sporting talents of military personnel across the globe.
