Over 700 athletes to participate in Lusofonia Games

Panaji: Around 739 athletes from 12 countries are all set to take part in the 3rd edition of the Lusofonia Games, starting from January 18.

Hosts India will represent a strong contingent of 200 athletes, followed by Macau (China) with 112, Mozambique (80), Angola (75), Sri Lanka (64), Portugal (56), Sao Tome and Principe (35), Cape Verde (35), Guinea Bissau (29), East Timor (26), Equatorial Guinea (20) and Brazil (7), Lusofonia Games CEO Keshav Chandra said here. Athletics will be the major event with a participation of 174 athletes from 11 countries. India has the largest contingent with 40 male and 38 female athletes. Touted as a favourite at the Lusofonia Games, beach volleyball will see 10 countries participating in the action packed sport. A temporary but state-of-the-art beach volleyball arena is being erected on the shores of the famous Miramar beach, which will host the sport. In all, 120 players from six nations will battle it out on the turf to emerge champions. But the biggest disappointment in football will be the absence of world powerhouse Portugal, Brazil and defending champions Cape Varde. Cape Verde, ranked 39 in the world, have pulled out due to budgetary constraints and lack of time, while Portugal stunned the organisers with their withdrawal due to fears of malaria outbreak at Fatorda. "As for Brazil, we have not lost hope in securing their entry. We have made headway and hopefully we will get their final word within the next couple of days," the CEO said. Basketball, with participation from seven countries, will see 130 athletes. Judo, Taekwondo and Wushu have seen a good response in participation. While Judo will have 56 athletes competing from seven nations, Taekwondo has confirmed participation of 50 sportspersons from nine countries. Wushu will be making its debut during this edition of the Games with 43 athletes from five nations. The opening ceremony will be held at Fatorda Stadium and elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth functioning for the 12-day event.