CISM celebrates the Opening of the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship in Egypt

CAIRO (EGY) - The International Military Sports Council (CISM) proudly announces the official inauguration of the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship, held under the patronage of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The prestigious event takes place from May 5 to 8, 2025, at the state-of-the-art Kayan Equestrian Club, located in Cairo’s New Administrative Capital.

President El-Sisi presided over the opening ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, senior government officials, and distinguished guests. This championship gathers elite military show jumping athletes from 20 nations including one observer nation: Egypt, Bahrain, Brazil, Ecuador, France, Hungary, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

The evening commenced with a warm welcome and cultural celebration. Attendees viewed a holographic presentation and documentary film tracing Egypt’s profound equestrian heritage - highlighting horses as historic companions in valor and guardians of peace. Prominent cultural figures, including actress Youssra and actor Youssef El-Sherif, delivered stirring tributes to Egypt’s legacy of strength, loyalty, and resilience, linking military horsemanship to national pride.

World-class Egyptian opera singer Farah El-Dibany performed for the international audience, followed by a parade of national flags carried by cadets of the Egyptian Military Academy, including the flag of the International Military Sports Council. A theatrical and drone light performance dazzled spectators, projecting powerful symbols of Egypt’s ancient civilization into the night sky - among them the Eye of Horus and the Ankh.

The International Military Sports Council was proudly represented by its leadership at the event. CISM President, Colonel Nilton Rolim of Brazil, delivered a keynote address expressing admiration for Egypt’s longstanding military and cultural contributions and commending the championship’s organization.

In his remarks, Colonel Rolim stated: “On behalf of our 141 member nations, I extend a salute of appreciation and reverence to our valiant and honorable Egyptian authorities and Armed Forces for their commitment and acts to the cause of CISM.”

He further paid special tribute to the Egyptian Chief of Delegation to CISM, declaring: “I would like to personally thank Major-General Staff Officer Mohamed Azazy Abdelaziz Farag Elassal for his outstanding commitment, unwavering support, and relentless dedication to the CISM mission. His leadership has empowered us to stand here today, united in military values, in these outstanding new capital sports facilities.”

He was joined by CISM Secretary General, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia of Italy, whose presence underscored the strategic importance of this event in furthering the CISM mission of unity and peace through sport.

In a key moment of the ceremony, Colonel Nilton Rolim awarded President El-Sisi the CISM Order of Merit, the council’s highest distinction for heads of state, and officially conferred upon him honorary membership in CISM, recognizing his strong support for military sport and international cooperation.

In his address, President El-Sisi officially opened the championship with the words: "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful... With God's blessing... I am honored to inaugurate the 25th World Military Championship for the year 2025. I wish you success, God willing.”

The ceremony concluded with the declaration of the Kayan Equestrian Club as an international training hub, solidifying its role in the global development of military equestrianism and reinforcing CISM’s commitment to excellence.

This landmark edition of the World Military Equestrian Championship exemplifies the CISM motto: "Friendship through Sport", and highlights Egypt’s growing stature as a global center for international military sports.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Egyptian Delegation to CISM)