SANTIAGO, Nov. 13, 2004 (Xinhuanet) -- The 52nd World Military Pentathlon Championship began Saturday in Chile with 340 competitors from 28 countries.

    The preliminary equestrian competition started on Saturday in the week-long tournament, the Chilean army announced in a new release.

    The first such competitions in the country are held in the Military Academy Bernardo O'Higgins.

    Chile's Defense Minister Jaime Ravinet participated in the opening ceremony in the academy.

    Participating delegations include those of Germany, Austria, Belaruss, Brazil, China, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Pakistan, Turkey and Venezuela.

    The preliminaries include an 8km cross-country race for men, and 4km race for women.

    Also on the program are shooting, grenade throw and two obstacle events.