48th CISM World Military Parachuting Championship kicks off in Slovakia with 32 nations

BOĽKOVCE–LUČENEC (SVK) - Boľkovce Airport, near Lučenec, has become the centre of international military parachuting as the 48th CISM World Military Parachuting Championship gets underway in Slovakia.

Running until 23 August 2026, the prestigious championship brings together 350 participants from 32 nations, highlighting the strong international appeal of military parachuting and the importance of this long-standing CISM competition.

The event is organised by VŠC DUKLA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic and the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic. Host nation Slovakia is represented by six military athletes from VŠC DUKLA, who will compete against some of the world's leading military parachutists.

Gabriel Baran, Director of VŠC DUKLA, highlighted the importance of the championship in supporting the revival and future development of military parachuting within the organisation: “Military parachuting naturally belongs within our sector, but at DUKLA it went through a period in which its activities were scaled back around twelve years ago. Organising the World Championship is a tremendous opportunity for us and a strong impetus to build a new and promising parachuting team. I believe this event will once again raise this traditional military sport within VŠC DUKLA to the level it rightfully deserves.”

The championship is honoured by the presence of the CISM President, Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, who is attending the event in his capacity as Official CISM Representative (OCR). The CISM Parachuting Sports Committee (PCSC Parachuting) Captain Tamás Bánszki is also present, working closely with the Organising Committee and participating delegations throughout the championship. Their presence underlines the importance of the World Military Parachuting Championship within the CISM sports programme and CISM's continued commitment to the development of military parachuting worldwide.

The championship officially opened on Saturday, 15 August 2026, with an Opening Ceremony attended by the CISM President, members of the PCSC Parachuting, representatives of the Slovak defence authorities, international delegations and members of the public.

In his address, Igor Melicher, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic, underlined both the significance of Slovakia hosting the championship and the values represented by military sport: “Being entrusted with the organisation of the 48th World Military Parachuting Championship reflects the confidence that the international military sports community has placed in Slovakia. Military sport is not only about medals – it is about character, courage, precision and trust in the person beside you. It has the power to bring people and countries together, which is why I have particular respect for this sport. I wish all participants accurate landings, strong nerves, true sportsmanship and, above all, safe jumps.”

The significance of the occasion was further highlighted by the presence of Elena Kaliská, two-time Olympic champion and VŠC DUKLA ambassador, as well as Karol Adamčík, one of the most successful military parachutists in Slovak history.

The Opening Ceremony also provided spectators with a spectacular showcase of Slovak military aviation. The programme featured flyovers by UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, a C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft and F-16 fighter aircraft.

One of the highlights of the ceremony was the jump of two elite parachutists carrying giant flags of Slovakia and the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The aerial programme concluded with a flyover by an Airbus A319 of the Aviation Department of the Slovak Ministry of Interior.

Throughout the day, visitors were also able to discover displays of military equipment and information stands presented by the Slovak defence sector.

The competition programme continues through 22 August 2026, when the championship will conclude with the Closing Ceremony and medal presentations.

Over the coming days, military parachutists from across the world will compete at the highest level while embodying the values at the heart of CISM: excellence, camaraderie, mutual respect and Friendship through Sport. CISM wishes all participating athletes, officials and delegations a successful championship and, above all, safe jumps throughout the competition.

(Source: Slovakian Delegation to CISM – Pictures: Carsten Thiel)