India is getting ready to host the fourth CISM Military World Games in Hyderabad and Mumbai from October 14 to 21, and over 75 countries have already confirmed participation. However, Pakistan is yet to send in its entry.

There is time yet, though, with the last date of entry being India’s Independence Day, and neither has it turned into a diplomatic issue, but the silence from across the border has led to interesting theories being propounded here. Israel has also confirmed participation.

DJ Narain, vice-chairman (M&P), and one man in the thick of the organisational aspects, explained today how the invitation was forwarded to their Pakistani counterparts “from the Wagah border, and there was no reply. We will do this a few more times before deadline.”

One theory is that the Pakistani authorities “might not be willing to expose their armed personnel to the other facilities that Indian Services personnel enjoy in peace time,” thought Commodore SC Joshi. The inference being, it could result in heartburn in an otherwise restricted environs forces of Pakistan.

The Games will be big by any standards, with 15 disciplines (of them hockey and kabaddi will be demonstration sports), two of which (sailing and triathlon) will be held in Mumbai. Col VS Kandari, secretary Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) and in charge of the nitty gritties of the Games, expects nearly 4,500 athletes and officials to attend the Games. The Indian contingent is expected to be around 261, including officials.

India will field women (10) in only shooting, though other countries will field women in all disciplines except wrestling, handball and boxing.

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