Olympic medallists, world-class performances and growing para-archery highlight spectacular finals in Warendorf

 

 

WARENDORF (GER) – The sporting programme of the 5th CISM World Military Archery Championship came to an impressive conclusion on 21 and 22 June as military archers from 17 nations delivered two days of spectacular finals in Warendorf, Germany. Featuring Olympic medallists, Olympians, World Cup competitors and some of the finest military archers currently active on the international circuit, the championship once again demonstrated the remarkable level of military sport.

 

Throughout the week, athletes consistently produced performances worthy of the world's biggest stages. Precision, consistency and mental strength were on full display as competitors repeatedly found the centre of the target under intense pressure. Across the recurve, compound and para-archery competitions, spectators witnessed countless tens and Xs, with several matches remaining undecided until the very final arrows.

 

 

The recurve finals on 21 June showcased an exceptional concentration of international talent. Germany's Florian Unruh, Olympic silver medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, competed in front of an enthusiastic home crowd. France was represented by Olympic bronze medallist Lisa Barbelin and Olympic silver medallist Baptiste Addis, while Italy fielded one of the sport's most decorated athletes, Olympic champion and multiple Olympic medallist Mauro Nespoli. India's delegation featured Olympic bronze medallist Dhiraj Bommadevara alongside four-time Olympian Tarundeep Rai, underlining the extraordinary quality assembled in Warendorf.

 

In the men's recurve individual competition, France's Baptiste Addis confirmed his status as one of the brightest talents in international archery by securing the military world title. The French Olympian delivered a series of composed and technically impressive performances to defeat Germany's Jonathan Vetter in the gold medal match. Italy's Matteo Borsani and Germany's Florian Unruh completed a podium that reflected the exceptionally high standard of the event.

 

The women's recurve competition proved equally impressive. Austria's Elisabeth Straka captured gold after a remarkable tournament characterized by consistency and precision. France's Lisa Barbelin added another prestigious medal to her already impressive international résumé by claiming silver, while India's Sangeeta and Ukraine's Solomiia Hnyp secured bronze medals after strong performances throughout the elimination rounds.

 

 

The team events further highlighted the depth of talent present at the championship. Italy, led by Mauro Nespoli and Matteo Borsani, secured the men's recurve team title after a series of high-quality matches. France claimed gold in the women's team event, while India continued its excellent championship by capturing the recurve mixed team title through Sangeeta and Dhiraj Bommadevara. Ukraine emerged victorious in the Double Recurve Team competition.

 

The championship concluded on 22 June with the compound and para-archery finals, producing another day of memorable performances. Slovenia's Tim Jevšnik secured the men's compound individual title thanks to a display of remarkable precision and consistency. The women's compound competition was dominated by France, which achieved one of the most impressive results of the entire championship. Kyla Touraine captured gold ahead of compatriots Alyssia Chambraud and Melie Duvivier, giving France a remarkable clean sweep of the podium.

 

Türkiye claimed the men's compound team title, while France added another gold medal through Kyla Touraine and Victor Bouleau in the compound mixed team competition. Italy secured victory in the Double Compound Team event, further strengthening its position among the most successful nations of the championship.

 

 

One of the most encouraging developments of the week was the continued growth of para-archery within the CISM family. The discipline continues to attract increasing participation and a steadily rising level of performance, reflecting CISM's commitment to providing opportunities for all military athletes to compete at the highest level.

 

The para-archery finals demonstrated not only elite sporting excellence but also the resilience, determination and professionalism that characterize military sport. Mongolia's Munkhbaatar Namjilmaa claimed gold in the Open Para Recurve men's category, while Ukraine's Inna Korolenko secured victory in the women's competition. India's Rajbir Singh captured the Open Para Compound men's title ahead of compatriot Suraj Singh. France's David Getreau and Linda Coyac also reached the podium, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the para categories.

 

The finals were attended by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who joined the medal ceremonies honouring the newly crowned champions and reaffirmed CISM's commitment to the continued development of military archery worldwide. The championship was conducted under the authority of Official CISM Representative Major General Rashid Mahboob Al-Dosari, whose support throughout the event contributed significantly to its successful delivery.

 

 

With 115 athletes representing 17 nations, multiple Olympic medallists, Olympians and internationally renowned competitors, Warendorf 2026 will be remembered as one of the strongest editions of the CISM World Military Archery Championship. Beyond the medals and podiums, the championship once again demonstrated the power of military sport to bring together servicemen and women from across the world in a spirit of friendship, mutual respect and solidarity.

 

Complete results of the 5th CISM World Military Archery Championship are available via the official competition platform: https://ianseo.net/Details.php?toId=28862

 

Rewatch the competitions here:

 

• June 21

 

• June 22

 

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