80th CISM General Assembly & Congress - Summary News
COLOMBO (SRI) – The 80th General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 18 to 23 May 2025, gathering 246 delegates from 78 member nations. The event marked a significant milestone in CISM’s history, offering a powerful display of unity, strategic dialogue, and global cooperation through military sport.
The week opened with a full-day session of the CISM Board of Directors at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, where CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim emphasized the organization’s core values of peace, solidarity, and friendship through sport. This message was reinforced by Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who presented an overview of CISM’s recent developments, strategic priorities, and operational resilience. Continental Vice-Presidents followed with updates highlighting regional progress, while various CISM commissions shared reports reflecting a dynamic and inclusive organization. The day concluded with forward-looking discussions on sports policy, athlete development, anti-doping measures, and preparations for upcoming World Military Games.
The official Opening Ceremony brought together military and civilian dignitaries, including Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Defense Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara. In a moment of solemn unity, the national and CISM flags were raised, and Major General Jayasekara received the CISM Order of Merit (Grand Officer rank) for his contributions to military sport. Informal exchanges at the Opening High Tea and a major press conference further promoted CISM’s mission to the wider public.
On the third day, delegates convened in regional meetings—Africa, America, Asia, and Europe—to address localized strategies and elect new members to the CISM Board of Directors. Notably, Brigadier General Brenda Mutungutungu of South Africa and representatives from Iran, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and the Netherlands joined the Board, while heartfelt tributes were paid to outgoing members. The day also featured presentations by CISM partners SIUS and World Sambo, as well as a moving tribute ceremony at the Sri Jayawardanapura War Memorial honoring the values of sacrifice and peace.
The Congress itself entered a pivotal phase with the opening of formal sessions in the Grand Maitland Room of the Victorium Château. Delegates engaged in strategic discussions and presentations on scientific research, such as the impact of sportswear on performance and innovations in virtual taekwondo. Financial reports demonstrated CISM’s fiscal responsibility, and commission updates reaffirmed commitments to inclusion, academic growth, and institutional transparency. A presentation by the ISSF strengthened ties with international federations, while Monaco previewed its role as host of the 81st Congress in 2026.
The final day of the Congress featured key institutional decisions, including the approval of the updated 2025–2029 Sports Calendar and appointments of new PCSCs. The 2024 CISM Athlete of the Year Award was presented to Simona Aebersold (Switzerland) and Giuseppe Campoccio (Italy), symbolizing excellence in military sport. Academic updates and planning for future games, including the 2025 Military World Winter Games in Lucerne and the 2028 Games in North Carolina, took center stage. A historic agreement was signed with the North Carolina LOC, and Ethiopia was formally welcomed as a new CISM member nation.
The General Assembly closed with the awarding of the CISM Order of Merit to distinguished individuals and the ceremonial handover of the CISM flag to Monaco. In his final remarks, Colonel Rolim celebrated the Congress as a turning point for the organization, marked not only by policy but by strengthened bonds and shared purpose. The week concluded with a festive gala dinner and a cultural excursion to Galle Fort, leaving delegates with lasting memories of camaraderie and international solidarity.
As the lights dimmed on Colombo’s historic hosting of the Congress, CISM reaffirmed its identity as a global movement rooted in friendship through sport, setting a clear course toward Monaco 2026 and beyond.
Read all the news of the event:
 | 80th CISM General Assembly & Congress in Colombo ends on a high note, setting course for Monaco |
 | CISM Congress closes with honors, agreements and a look toward the future |
 | Innovation meets tradition at the 80th CISM Congress in Sri Lanka |
 | CISM celebrates unity and progress at Continental Meetings and War Memorial Tribute in Colombo |
 | A landmark day in Colombo: CISM honors, dialogue and global engagement mark day two |
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(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Sri Lanka Delegation to CISM)
