Warsaw hosts successful CISM Regional Military Judo Championship 2026
WARSAW (POL) – Warsaw, Poland, became the center of international military judo from 11 to 14 June 2026 as it hosted the CISM Regional Military Judo Championship, bringing together military athletes from across Europe and Central Asia in a celebration of sporting excellence, friendship, and military camaraderie.
Organized by the Polish Armed Forces through the Central Military Sports Group (CWZS) under the auspices of CISM, the championship welcomed teams from France, Latvia, Lithuania, Uzbekistan, and host nation Poland. A total of 50 athletes, including 26 men and 24 women, competed at the OSiR Włochy Sports Hall, proudly representing their armed forces and demonstrating the values that define the International Military Sports Council: friendship, discipline, mutual respect, and fair play.
The competition featured individual contests on 12 June, followed by the highly anticipated mixed team event on 13 June. Throughout the championship, athletes displayed a remarkable level of technical skill, determination, and sportsmanship, creating an atmosphere that reflected the unique spirit of military sport.
Uzbekistan emerged as the dominant force in the individual competition, securing seven gold, five silver, and two bronze medals to finish atop the medal standings. Host nation Poland delighted its home supporters with an impressive performance, collecting five gold, four silver, and four bronze medals. France earned one gold, three silver, and six bronze medals, while Lithuania claimed one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. Latvia also reached the podium with one silver and one bronze medal.
The mixed team competition provided some of the most memorable moments of the championship. Poland advanced to the final after overcoming France in a closely contested semifinal, while Uzbekistan defeated Lithuania to book its place in the gold-medal match.
The final between Poland and Uzbekistan proved to be a fitting climax to the tournament. After six bouts, the teams were tied at 3-3, forcing a decisive draw contest. In the final and decisive encounter, Uzbekistan's Islombek Ravshankulov (+100 kg) secured victory over the Polish representative, clinching the mixed team title for Uzbekistan and bringing an unforgettable conclusion to an intensely competitive championship.
Beyond the sporting results, the event once again highlighted the important role military sport plays in strengthening ties between armed forces and fostering mutual understanding among nations. Every athlete who stepped onto the tatami represented not only themselves but also their country, their military institution, and the values of respect and friendship that lie at the heart of CISM.
The Polish Armed Forces and the Central Military Sports Group delivered an event of exceptional organizational quality, ensuring excellent competition conditions, logistics, accommodation, officiating, and ceremonial activities throughout the championship. Their professionalism and commitment contributed significantly to the success of the event and reflected the highest standards of military service and sports organization.
The championship was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests, including General Marek Sokołowski, General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces; General Sławomir Drumowicz, Deputy General Commander of the Polish Armed Forces; Colonel Reza Bagheri, President of the CISM Judo Commission; Major Fabrice Guilley, CISM Judo CSC Member; Robert Gawkowski, representative of the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces; Krzysztof Wiłkomirski, President of the Polish Judo Association; and Dariusz Kałwajtys, representative of the host venue.
Special recognition was also extended to Jan Litwiniuk, Chief of the Polish Delegation to CISM, whose dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of CISM played a significant role in the successful organization of the championship. His messages during both the opening and closing ceremonies reflected the enduring importance of peace, cooperation, and friendship through sport.
As the championship concluded, the military judo community celebrated not only the achievements of the medalists but also the collective success of an event that strengthened international bonds through competition and mutual respect. The Warsaw edition once again demonstrated that military sport remains a powerful platform for bringing nations together and promoting understanding among armed forces around the world.
Attention now turns to the future, with military judokas already looking ahead to the 2027 CISM Military World Summer Games in Charlotte, United States, where judo will once again feature among the flagship sports of the world's largest military sporting event. Looking beyond Charlotte, preparations are already beginning for the next standalone CISM World Military Judo Championship in 2028. As no host nation has yet been designated, CISM warmly encourages interested member nations to consider submitting candidatures and contributing to the continued development and promotion of military judo on the international stage. Looking further ahead, the 2029 CISM Military World Summer Games in Qatar will continue the tradition of showcasing military sporting excellence while strengthening friendship and cooperation among armed forces worldwide.
The success of Warsaw 2026 stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the CISM motto: Friendship through Sport.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
