CISM International Athletics Conference - "Athletics and Military Physical Readiness" in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI (UAE) - The CISM International Athletics Conference in Abu Dhabi unfolded as a groundbreaking gathering of military and sports professionals from around the world. Hosted from the 10th to the 16th of December 2023, the conference commenced with a grand opening ceremony, presided over by His Excellency Matar Salem Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense of the UAE, CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM Vice President Asia Brigadier-General Rashid Mahboob Al-Dosari, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Sports Science Commission President Brigadier-General Odysseas Paxinos, and Colonel Khaled Rashid Humaid Al Zaabi, the Commander of the Military Physical Education Center in the UAE.
The opening ceremony marked the beginning of a week filled with insightful sessions and workshops, featuring distinguished speakers and experts from various fields. Notable highlights included discussions on military physical preparedness strategies, perspectives on elite athlete performance, and innovations in wearable technology and telemedicine for sports.
The second day focused on institutional excellence, military physical achievement metrics, and performance determinants. Sessions covered strategic planning, coaches' qualification systems, and combat load impact on performance. A workshop on athletics for people with special needs and war-wounded individuals emphasized inclusivity.
Scientific insights into breaking world records, environment-based performance determinants, and the impact of AI and IT on military sports were explored during the third day of the Conference. Noteworthy sessions included discussions on complementary sport science involvement and the role of complex training.
The concluding day featured discussions on tactical nutrition, insights from Olympic champions, and strategic planning for military physical training. The event reached its pinnacle with a roundtable that included esteemed Olympic champions, namely Habiba Ghribi (Tunisia), the gold medalist at the London 2012 Olympics in the 3,000m Steeplechase, Nezha Bidouane (Morocco), the bronze medallist at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, in the 400m Hurdles, and Mutaz Essa Barshim (Qatar), the gold medallist at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics in High Jump and the silver medallist in the London 2012 and Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics.
The conference culminated with a grand closing ceremony and official event photo, and significant recommendations were presented, emphasizing continued information exchange and training for trainers.
As the curtains fall on the CISM International Athletics Conference, the legacy of knowledge and collaboration will undoubtedly resonate within the sports and military communities, inspiring advancements in military sports science and physical training.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
