The Brazilian army is holding two soldiers in connection with the shooting of a young gay man following Rio de Janeiro's annual Pride parade.

The army released a statement saying one of the suspects admitted to shooting 19-year-old student Douglas Igor Marques Luiz.

The two sergeants were arrested yesterday and will be questioned by police. Initially army officials denied any involvement.

Luiz was shot once in the stomach before being treated and released by local hospitals.

Gay rights advocates fighting discrimination against Brazil's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community called the shooting an example of lingering homophobic attitudes that mar the city's reputation for tolerance.

Is Brazil ready to host the world cup and more importantly the Olympics ?

GL