*Defence forces play their part in India's CWG success* * * 13 Oct, 2010, 1213 hrs IST , Surender Negi , TNN
NEW DELHI: The Indian Army has silently played a key role in India’s march towards its highest medal haul in the Commonwealth Games. Army’s efforts are not just limited to building a collapsed bridge and helping the security for the Games — sportspersons from the forces are also winning medals for the nation. Till Monday, sportspersons from the Army have accounted for seven gold, four silver and five bronze medals. Naval sportspersons are also not far behind fetching five gold and a silver & bronze each with Suranjoy Singh still in contention for gold in 52 kg category in boxing. This performance by them can be traced back to 2001 when the Indian Army launched its Mission Olympics programme. The programme was envisioned by the Army to train talented and potential sportsmen in selected sports disciplines to excel with an overall aim to ensure a podium finish in the Olympics. Army’s Mission Olympic Wings (MOW) has got five world class facilities across the country for round the clock training under experienced coaches in athletics, archery, boxing, weightlifting, wrestling, fencing, rowing and yatching. “The Mission Olympics is designed to produce outstanding results in international competitions. Children in the age group of 14-16 are trained to excel in various Olympic sports. It is all about catching them young. Pick them when they are about 14 and train them for a good six years,” Lt Gen Ramesh Halgali, Director General of Military Training said. “They are getting everything as far as upgradation is concerned — equipment, facilities and motivation,” he added. Shooting, which has emerged the bedrock of India’s biggest tally, has also accounted for majority of gold medals that the forces have won. While Army has won six out its seven gold medals through shooting, Navy has won three out of five. Vijay Kumar (army) and Omkar Singh (navy) have been the most successful shooters , each winning three gold and a silver.___ -- With best wishes S Chander
