ANNECY, France, March 25 (Xinhua) -- French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian declared open the 2nd International Military Sports Council (CISM) World Winter Games Monday evening at the opening ceremony held on the shores of Lake Annecy.

Former French biathlete Sandrine Bailly and alpine ski racer Jean-Baptiste Grange together lit the torch.

Nearly 1,000 participants from 40 countries and regions will compete in biathlon, indoor sport climbing, ski orienteering, patrol race, short-track speed skating, alpine skiing, ski mountaineering and cross-country skiing in four venues in the Haute-Savoie region from Monday to Friday.

Russia sent the biggest delegation to the military sporting event with 73 people, followed by France the hosting country, sending a 70-people delegation. The Chinese delegation was composed of 55 people, including 40 athletes.

China was ranked third in the medal table, with three golds and seven silver medals, at the first CISM World Winter Games held in Italy in March, 2010.