France and Brazil shine on Day 2 of the World Military Martial Arts Championship in Warendorf

WARENDORF (GER) – The second day of action at the 1st CISM World Military Martial Arts Championship, held from 22 to 29 June 2025 in Warendorf, continued to showcase the very best of military martial arts with intense competition across judo, wrestling, and taekwondo.

In taekwondo, France delivered a commanding performance, securing three gold medals. Lucien Theo impressed in the Men’s -68kg category, navigating a tough bracket to defeat Korea’s Lee Gyeong Jeon in the final. In the Men’s -63kg division, Lorenzo Capuano added another gold for his country, overcoming Korea’s Woo Jeong Su. Kanelia Carabin also captured gold in the Women’s -57kg, edging out Hungary’s Luca Patakfalvy in the final. Italy and Algeria also earned spots on the podium, with Sarah Al Halwani (ITA) claiming gold in the Women’s -53kg category after a decisive win over Germany’s Leonie Johanna Mayer.

Over on the judo mats, Brazil made its mark with Gabriel Falcao clinching gold in the Men’s -81kg category. France continued its strong showing with Orlando Cazorla winning the Men’s -73kg division, while Germany’s Friederike Stolze delighted the home crowd by taking gold in the Women’s -63kg category. Hungary’s Szofi Özbas won the Women’s -70kg final, adding to her nation’s medal tally.

Freestyle wrestling added further excitement to the day, with fierce contests and dynamic performances across all weight classes. Germany’s Niklas Stechele claimed gold in the 57kg division, while Ahmet Duman of Turkey took top honors in the 65kg category. France continued its winning streak with Rakhim Magamadov securing gold at 86kg, and Albania’s Chermen Valiev topped the podium at 74kg.

In the heavier weight classes, Poland asserted dominance with Zbigniew Baranowski triumphing in the 97kg event and Robert Baran emerging victorious in the 125kg category. Silver and bronze medals were distributed among athletes from India, Korea, Tunisia, Ukraine, Algeria, Latvia, Switzerland, and Italy, demonstrating the depth and global competitiveness of this championship.

The second day highlighted the diversity and competitive spirit of military athletes from across the globe, reinforcing the CISM values of “Friendship Through Sport.” With more action to come, anticipation builds for the final rounds and team events.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Bundeswehr)