CISM International Symposium 2025 concludes in Abu Dhabi with inspiring exchanges and prestigious award
ABU DHABI (UAE) — The third and final day of the CISM International Symposium 2025, hosted on October 22 at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, marked the conclusion of three days of intense scientific dialogue, military cooperation and academic excellence.
Although Professor Sergey Kryukov was unable to attend in person, participants were able to follow his video presentation which explored the sport specific injuries and rehabilitation procedures. His contribution further enriched the symposium’s central theme, Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future.
The last Symposium session opened with the final keynote address by Associate Professor John Marson, who captivated the audience with his presentation on biosensors and AI in military readiness. His talk offered practical perspectives on how digital tools,monitor the future of human performance.
The scientific program of this final day also included more than a dozen research presentations highlighting innovative work on military physical readiness, from climate adaptation strategies to motivational approaches for young recruits.
One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the Commandant Raoul Mollet CISM Academy Sports Science Award Ceremony. This prestigious distinction, conferred annually to recognize academic excellence among CISM member nations, celebrates scholarly contributions that align with CISM’s mission to promote military sport, science and solidarity.
Lieutenant Colonel Athinodoros Moschopoulos, President of the CISM Sport Science Commission, announced this year’s laureate Associate Professor Arto Gråstén from the United Arab Emirates University for his remarkable study entitled Fostering Exercise Motivation in Youth Preparing for Military Service: Self-Determination Theory Approach. The award was presented by Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General. The study, co-presented by Gehan Handouk, Balazs Gabor and Jamal Alnuaimi, received wide praise for its innovative approach to youth motivation and its practical application for armed forces worldwide.
The Closing Ceremony gathered a distinguished audience including Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM President, Major General Rashid Mahboob Al-Dosari, CISM Vice President Asia, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, His Excellency Khalifa Rashid Juma Al Hamli, Director of the Office of His Highness the Minister of Defence, Major General Staff Obaid Ali Obaid Al Mansouri, President of the Local Organizing Committee, Brigadier General Staff Ayoob Butti Al Falasi, Chief of the UAE Delegation to CISM, members of the CISM Board of Directors, Chiefs of Delegation and special guests.
In his closing remarks Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM President, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the United Arab Emirates for their exceptional hospitality and high level of organization, underlining the importance of science and cooperation in building stronger and more resilient armed forces.
“This Symposium has once again proven that CISM is not only about sport. It is about knowledge, unity and the pursuit of excellence. The work achieved here will serve as a cornerstone for our shared vision of a stronger and more connected military community,” said Colonel Nilton Rolim.
Brigadier General Staff Ayoob Butti Al Falasi, Chief of the UAE Delegation to CISM, thanked all speakers, researchers and delegates for their invaluable contributions and praised the fruitful collaboration between the UAE Armed Forces, universities and the CISM Academy.
The ceremony also honored the partners and sponsors whose support made this edition a success: EDGE Group, Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, Etihad Airways, Khalifa University, Palms Sports and the UAE Darts Federation.
As the event drew to a close, the CISM Flag was symbolically handed over by Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho to Lieutenant General Paulo Afonso de Melo, Chief of the Brazilian Delegation, marking Brazil as the next host of the CISM International Symposium in 2027.
Finally, His Excellency Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence, officially declared the CISM International Symposium 2025 closed.
With warm applause and words of gratitude, participants celebrated the success of three memorable days of scientific collaboration, friendship and mutual understanding, a reflection of CISM’s motto Friendship through Sport.
Thank you Abu Dhabi for the unforgettable memories, and see you in Brazil in 2027.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and UAE Delegation to CISM)
