16th WMC Golf - Summary News
DIANI (KEN) – The 16th CISM World Military Golf Championship came to a close in Diani, Kenya, after four days of high-level competition, remarkable sporting feats, and warm camaraderie among soldiers from across the globe. Organized by the Kenya Defence Forces with the support of Kwale County and the Diamond Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, this was the first time Kenya hosted a CISM World Championship — and it delivered an edition that will long be remembered.
The event teed off with an elegant Opening Ceremony attended by senior civilian and military authorities, including CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who praised Kenya’s hospitality and commitment to the values of “Friendship Through Sport.” With 120 golfers — 89 men and 31 women — representing 19 nations across four continents, the championship highlighted CISM’s mission of building peace and cooperation through military sport.
Competition quickly heated up on the pristine fairways. Greece, South Africa, France, and India impressed early, while Kenya’s golfers, led by Captain Brian Tororei and Senior Private Christine Kamais, showcased steady performances in front of a home crowd. Round two reshaped the leaderboard as India’s Varoon Parmar seized the men’s lead and France’s Evangeline Prévot overtook her compatriot Pauline Stein to top the women’s standings. France also surged to the front in both team events.
Round three — “moving day” — brought even more drama. India’s Akash Kumar fired a spectacular 68, the lowest round of the week, to climb to the top of the men’s standings, while Prévot and Stein set up an all-French duel in the women’s competition. Latvia’s First Lieutenant Artis Lusis etched his name in CISM history with a rare hole-in-one, while South Africa’s Heidi V. Berg made further history by recording the first albatross ever seen in a CISM golf event.
The final day confirmed the championship’s stars. In the Women’s Individual event, France completed a golden double with Evangeline Prévot taking gold and Pauline Stein silver, joined on the podium by Bangladesh’s Sonia Akter. France also dominated the Women’s Team event, with Bangladesh earning silver and Tanzania bronze. In the Men’s competition, India’s Akash Kumar clinched gold ahead of Bahrain’s Khalifa Mohamed and Germany’s Niklas Starcevic, while France secured Men’s Team gold in front of Bahrain and South Africa. The Senior categories brought more honors, with India’s Varoon Parmar winning gold among the men, and South Africa’s Heidi V. Berg triumphing in the women’s seniors.
The Closing Ceremony, led by Major General Paul Otieno of the Kenya Navy, celebrated not only sporting excellence but also community impact. Civil-military cooperation projects, including school renovations and free medical services for locals, underlined the event’s social legacy. CISM Secretary General Roberto Recchia and CISM Golf President Major Cameron Lowdon praised Kenya’s organization, efficiency, and hospitality. One of the evening’s highlights was the awarding of the Grand Knight of CISM title to Major General Erick Kinuthia for his outstanding contribution to military golf and the values of CISM.
With France and India leading the medal count, Kenya proving itself a capable and welcoming host, and athletes forging bonds across continents, the 16th CISM World Military Golf Championship was hailed as a landmark edition — blending sport, culture, and solidarity under the banner of Friendship Through Sport.
Follow all the results on the livescoring page of the event !
 | Kenya hosts a memorable start to the 16th World Mlitary Golf Championship |
 | High stakes and tight margins as Round 2 reshapes the leaderboard |
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 | Curtains fall on a landmark edition of the 16th CISM World Military Golf Championship in Kenya |
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
