The largest sporting event ever conducted in India has come to a close.  Recognized as the world's largest democracy, India has hosted the 4th Military World Games with incredible skill and commitment.  Almost 5,000 participants in 13 different sports, from over 100 nations, will say farewell to a country that most competitors thought they would never visit.  They also say  farewell to their hosts and new friends who have made this such a memorable experience.   
 
India and Hyderabad: India is a country swimming in the cross-current of shifting cultures and globalization.  Poised to gain momentum in the global marketplace, the growth and investment opportunities appear to be rising with each new day.  New service industries and infrastructure improvement projects are abounding.  Still though, the gap between the "haves and have nots" is clear to even the casual visitor.  With a very large middle class, the challenge domestically is to close this gap between the top and the bottom of the socio-economic ladder.     
 
Located in the heart of India, Hyderabad is alive and well, and growing in importance as a hub for information technology and business process outsourcing,   With a population of seven million people, its streets are pulsating with cars, buses, motorcycles, and motorized rickshaws.  There are no lanes and the rule of the road is simple.  Whoever arrives at a particular point in the road first, owns that point.  There is a cacophony of sound with horns blowing constantly.  But there are no arguments or drivers with road rage.  And surprisingly, there are few accidents. 
 
On the outskirts of the city, goats and water buffaloes are common sights in front of small stores or dwellings, some of which have dirt floors and are in poor condition.  People are selling their wares on the streets and in countless small shops.  Away from the city center, new office buildings are going up, with many becoming the home for call centers and international business organizations.  
   
In spite of the infrastructure needs, the average visitor is left with the deep impression of a country that is rich with warmth and genuine hospitality.  Kindness and patience seem to be hallmarks of the people.  They could write the book on servant leadership.  In this country, the guest is king.  Satisfaction and happiness are the goals.  India could teach the world about how to treat people with kindness and concern.  This attitude of service will help secure a bright future.  
  
The 4th Military World Games and Wrestling: The Military World Games are a multi-sport event organized every four years, one year prior to the Olympic Games.  Conducted by the Council Internationale du Sport Militaire, the organization is affectionately known by its acronym, CISM.  The aim of CISM to bring military athletes together under the motto of "Friendship Through Sports."  Every year, CISM conducts World Championships in 20 different sports, with each sport featuring top level athletes from their respective countries.  
 
In the 4th Military World Games athletes lived on military installations around the city, with each installation designed like an Olympic Village.  Each day the dining facilities would be filled with people from different countries sitting together and talking.  It brought more people together from more different countries than almost any other endeavor short of the United Nations.  
 
Like the Olympics, the opening ceremonies were filled with music, performances and pageantry.  It was a gala event in which the military-athletes were the stars.  The President of India officially opened the Games after a grand procession of athletes in military uniforms from participating countries.    
 
As for wrestling, the competitors were world class.  Almost each weight class had world medalists, former Olympians, and national champions from their respective countries.  The technical proficiency of the athletes was outstanding.  It didn't take long to see that the United States Armed Forces team has its work cut out to make its mark on the military world stage. 
 
Success in the Military World Games is measured by more than the results of the compeitition.  In this light, the Games of India were an overwhelming success on every level. 
 
The Relevance: While the Olympic Games are conducted every four years, the Olympic spirit may be kept alive every day.  Like the Olympics, it is not all about the winning.  But, rather it is about taking part, getting torn up inside, and overcoming obstacles.  It is about the particpation and not the triumph.  
 
In sports, like life, we can choose to go through the motions, or we can engage and seek excellence.  We can be ready to embrace the moment, or the moment can embrace us.  We can choose to be alone, or we can become a part of something special.  Through the past week, we have found that we have more in common with each other than we have differences.  
 
In the wrestling arena, a small statue-like trophy stood off to the side of the venue.  It depicts a warrior charging into battle with a spear in one hand and a sword in the other.  The inscription on the base says, "When you go home, tell them of us and say, we gave our today for your tomorrow."  
 
These words capture the essence of the 4th Military World Games in the hearts and minds of all participants.  In a very real way, that is the enduring image of Incredible India.   

Click here for official website of the Military World Games