The mascot for IWAS World Games was launched by Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, former World Cup-winning India captain who is the brand ambassador of Paralympics Committee of India (PCI), unveiled the mascot Cheetah, the sprinter for the IWAS (International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation) World Games 2009. Speaking on the occasion, Kapil said, "This is just the beginning. More such events should happen in our country."

"We get inspired by people like them who show us what they have and what they can achieve. Even the best of the best athletes can only get just 50 percent of their determination, their will to survive and to win," said the veteran cricketer. "We will produce many champions and athletes," he added.

Present at the ceremony were Rao Inderjit Singh, Union Minister of State for Defence, Goolihatti Shekar, Minister of Youth Services and Sports, Shobha Karandlaje, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, and Narendra Swamy, Minister for Women and Child Development.

Many former international athletes like Ashwini Nachappa, MP Ganesh and cricketer Syed Kirmani were also present. The Games will be held in Bangalore from November 24 to December 1. Around 1,400 participants from 62 countries are expected to participate. The previous edition of IWAS World Games was conducted in Taipei in 2007. India won nine gold medals, nine silver medals and 17 bronze.  

IWAS delegates from UK visited the city in August 2008 to inspect the conditions of the venues where the events will be held and Amar Kumar Pandey, former commissioner of DYSS, had extended support in organizing the event.

"I am exceedingly happy that these games are being held in Bangalore," said Goolihatti Shekar. He added that support would be extended by the government in organising the event without any hitch.

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication