By IANS
Hyderabad : While the ongoing fourth Military World Games is evoking poor response from public mainly due to tight security, a few who had gone to a stadium to enjoy some sports action had a bitter experience.
Two teachers of a madrasa in the city, who wanted to witness the games at Gacchibowli Stadium, were detained and grilled by security personnel from Cyberabad city police for an hour Wednesday evening. The duo, Hafiz Mohammed Muneeruddin Hussami and Hafiz Mohammed Rafeeq, had to return disappointed.
They alleged that a security officer suspected them to be terrorists and grilled them. Though they produced all identity documents like driving licence and registration certificate of their two-wheeler, the officer was not convinced and reportedly asked them to leave the stadium.
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Families of military officers enjoying sports action
As the venues for the games virtually remained out of bounds for the general public in the name of tight security, the thin crowds in the stadiums mostly comprised military personnel and their family members.
Many officials of all the three services, who were drafted from different parts of the country for special duties for games, are here with their wives and children.
Many officials busy in their duties are not getting time to watch the events. However, their family members are enjoying every bit of sports action. At Military Pentathlon at Tipu Sports Complex, some children were seen shaking hands with the athletes.
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Successful event, say organisers
Though as the games failed to generate enthusiasm among the people here, the organisers are satisfied. CISM, French acronym for international military sports council, termed the games a huge success as the highest number of athletes from a record number of countries is participating.
Brig. Gen. Gianni Gola, CISM president, said this was the most successful ever edition of the Military World Games. “We express our gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces and the Andhra Pradesh Government for their commitment and zeal to ensure that the Games were a big success,” he said.
For the first time in the history of the Games, 103 countries are participating while five countries are here as observers. More than 5,000 athletes are vying for 1,076 medals in the Games, the motto of which is friendship through sports.