Spain celebrates military sports excellence and 75 years of commitment to CISM at the 2025 Military Sports Gala

MADRID (ESP) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) was honored to participate in the fourth edition of the Military Sports Gala, held on November 26, 2025, at the Army’s War and Leadership School in Madrid. Organized every two years by the Spanish Ministry of Defence, the event highlights members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves in major international military and civilian sports competitions, while also reaffirming the importance of military sport.

This year’s edition held special meaning for CISM as Spain celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary of its accession to the Council. To mark this significant milestone, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia attended the ceremony and delivered an official message of recognition. Spain’s long-standing involvement within CISM has contributed greatly to strengthening international military cooperation through sport, in perfect alignment with the CISM motto “Friendship Through Sport.” The organization now gathers one hundred and forty-two Member Nations committed to this shared mission.

During the gala, the Spanish Armed Forces also honored leading civilian sports figures by naming them Honorary Reservists in recognition of their exceptional careers and positive impact on national sport. The ceremony was attended by prominent authorities including the Minister of Defence Mrs. Margarita Robles, the Minister of Culture and Sports Mrs. Pilar López Alegría, the President of the Spanish Olympic Committee, and the President of the Higher Sports Council.

Among the honorees were renowned athletes Rudy Fernández, Carolina Marín, María Pérez, and Marcus Cooper, all of whom represent excellence within Spanish sport. Journalist María Escario was also celebrated for her outstanding career in sports media. For the first time, a special distinction was awarded to the Spanish Women’s National Football Team for its remarkable progress and historic results in recent years. Ivana Andrés, captain of the team that won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, accepted the award on behalf of the squad.

The event concluded with a social gathering at the War and Leadership School, providing all attendees with an opportunity to exchange insights and perspectives on the development of military sport in Spain and within the wider CISM community.

(Source: Spanish Delegation to CISM)