Chinese athletes possess the ability to take at least 12 gold medals in the upcoming 4th Military World Games, said an official of the Chinese delegation in Hyderabad, India on Saturday.

Chen Shaohai, the Chef de mission  of the Chinese delegation told Xinhua that China sent a strong 220-delegation to the Games with such big names as Peng Bo, China's Olympic diving gold medalist during the Athen's Olympics, and Qi Hui, a world swim champion.

The 4th WMG features 15 sports, including traditional Olympic events such as shooting, swimming and boxing, as well as military specific events, such as parachuting and military pentathlon.

The Chinese athletes will take part in 10 sports. Chen said that the Chinese delegation would win their first gold in the swimming pool.

"There is no doubt that Chinese swimmers will face some challenges in the competition, but their world class ability guarantees that they can win the first gold for our delegation," said Chen.

Upholding the banner of "Friendship through Sports", the 4th WMG will be held from October 14 to 21, 2007 in two big cites, namely Hyderabad and Mumbai, India.

In the previous three sporting events, China placed third, second and second on the gold medal table respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency October 14, 2007)