Hyderabad: Host Andhra Pradesh has fielded the biggest contingent of 771 sportspersons for the 32nd National Games, beginning here on December 13.

Team title holders Punjab and runners-up Services will also be in full strength for an interesting tussle in the men's section with the former sending 298 players and its arch rival pitting 307 servicemen.

In all, 7,988 persons including coaches and officials have confirmed their participation in 31 disciplines to be held here and at Visakhapatnam, Games organising secretary L Venkatram Reddy told reporters.

The host has fielded 443 men and 328 women and is hopeful of medals in skating, badminton, weightlifting, volleyball, while Punjab and Services are likely to vie for top honours.

Andaman and Nicobar with a tiny pack of 41 would be seen at the helm in the victory lap of cycling events.

New entrant Chhattisgarh, with a strength of 115 will vie for top honours in archery along with 455-member Manipur and Jharkand's 145-member team.

Delhi is sending 455 sportspersons, Kerala (418), Tamil Nadu (382), Kerala(418) and Karnataka (390) would be on the hunt for medals in the track and field as well as other events.

Punjab leads the 31st edition medal tally with a haul of 163 (61 gold, 44 silver, 58 bronze) followed by Services with 93 (45-19-25) and Manipur with 65 (30-17-18).

PTI