Antony faints during NDA ceremony, hospitalised

Defence Minister A K Antony was flown to the Command hospital in Pune by a helicopter on Saturday morning after he fainted while reviewing the National Defence Academy passing out parade at Khadakwasla.

The Minister, who underwent a thorough medical examination at the NDA hospital immediately after the incident, was shifted later to the Military Command hospital in Pune as a matter of precaution.

"He is stable and there is absolutely no cause for worry. He will be kept under observation for a few hours," a defence spokesman said.

Antony, who took salute at a smartly turned out parade of the 114th course of the NDA, which trains officers for the three services, apparently suffered from dehydration due to standing in the sun for a long time, official sources said.

He delivered his speech and also presented successful cadets with medals before he slumped in the chair a little while prior to the conclusion of the programme.

Though he had to be carried away to the car, he was seen on his feet while entering it.

NDA Commandant Air Marshal T S Randhwa said, "The Minister had just returned from Germany where he had a hectic schedule that deprived him of adequate sleep. Stress and exertion seemed to be the cause of his giddiness."

"All tests, including cardiogram and blood tests, were normal and he was fine," Colonel Deepak Bahadur, Commanding officer at the NDA hospital, said.

Antony, addressing cadets, assured them that the government was aware of the problems being faced by the defence forces and was taking adequate measures to address them.

Hailing the highest standards set by the NDA in military training, Antony told the passing out cadets that their quality of life would certainly be better than their seniors.