Algeria celebrates International Day of Military Sports 2026 with nationwide Cross for Peace

ALGIERS (ALG) – The Algerian Delegation to the International Military Sports Council (CISM) successfully celebrated the 77th anniversary of the creation of CISM by organizing activities for the International Day of Military Sports 2026 on 10 February 2026, highlighted by a large-scale Cross for Peace involving military personnel across the country.

The event brought together an impressive 168,000 participants from various units and commands of the Algerian Armed Forces, demonstrating the strong commitment of Algeria’s military community to the values promoted by CISM. Soldiers from different ranks, ages and professional categories took part in the activity, alongside civilian personnel and a significant number of female participants, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the celebration.

Organized as part of the worldwide commemorations of the International Day of Military Sports, the cross-country event aimed to promote the ideals of peace, solidarity and camaraderie through sport, in line with the CISM motto “Friendship through Sport.” Across Algeria, military personnel gathered in different regions to participate in the run, creating a powerful demonstration of unity and collective engagement.

The official launch of the event was supervised by the Chief of the Algerian Delegation to CISM, Colonel Ali Kletine, who presided over the opening ceremony in the wilaya of Bordj Badji Mokhtar, located in the south-east of Algeria. From this symbolic starting point, the initiative spread across the country with parallel activities organized by numerous military units.

The celebration was marked by a strong level of mobilization and enthusiasm among participants, while the event also received broad media coverage, highlighting the importance of sport within the armed forces and its role in strengthening cohesion and physical readiness.

At the conclusion of the activities, award ceremonies were organized to recognize the efforts of participants. Medals and diplomas, prepared according to official CISM templates, were presented to distinguished runners, further reinforcing the connection between the national celebration and the international military sports movement.

Through this large-scale initiative, the Algerian Armed Forces once again reaffirmed their commitment to the values of military sport as a vehicle for peace, friendship and cooperation, joining CISM member nations around the world in celebrating the International Day of Military Sports 2026.

(Source: Algerian Delegation to CISM)