CISM Congress closes with honors, agreements and a look toward the future

COLOMBO (SRI) – The second and final day of the 80th CISM Congress came to a powerful close in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with a full program of dialogue, and celebration that reinforced the International Military Sports Council’s enduring commitment to unity through sport.

Held once again in the elegant Grand Maitland Room of the Victorium Château, the day opened with a welcome address by CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, who commended the delegates for their active participation and reinforced the importance of the Congress as “a beacon of strategic alignment and global military sports development.” CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia followed with a comprehensive review of the overall program of activities of the day, marking the start of a high-impact session.

The morning agenda was dominated by sports policy discussions, led by CISM Sports Director Lieutenant-Colonel Jan Van den Dool, who presented the updated 2025–2029 Sports Calendar. This was followed by the introduction of new CISM Sports Committee Presidents by both the Secretary General while the PCSC Representative, Lieutenant Margherita Magnani, presented her report. Delegations from Turkey and China then provided updates on their upcoming World Military Championships (Half Marathon and Naval Pentathlon).

An emotional highlight came with the announcement of the 2024 CISM Athlete of the Year Award, personally presented by Colonel Rolim to the Delegates of the Nations, Switzerland and Italy, in recognition of athletes Simona Aebersold and Giuseppe Campoccio. The moment drew warm applause from delegates and celebrated athletic excellence across the member nations.

CISM Academic Director Lieutenant-Commander Florentia Sfakianou took the floor later in the morning to unveil updates on the CISM Executive Course. The UAE Delegation followed with a detailed presentation of the 2025 CISM International Symposium, reinforcing the academic and cultural pillars of military sport diplomacy.

After lunch, the focus turned to the Games. CISM Games Director Joseph Bakari led a comprehensive overview of the 4th World Cadet Games (2024), the Pre-University Education Schools Tournament, and the eagerly awaited 5th Military World Winter Games in Lucerne (2025). He also previewed the 8th Military World Summer Games, followed by an official presentation from the the North Carolina World Military Games Local Organizing Committee (NCWMG LOC).

In a symbolic moment of partnership, CISM and the NCWMGLOC signed a binding agreement for the upcoming Games, underscoring mutual trust and long-term collaboration.

The afternoon offered more than deliberations. It became a celebration of heritage and friendship. A festive gift exchange between delegations filled the Grand Maitland Room with color, gratitude and camaraderie. Delegates shared tokens from their nations, reinforcing bonds beyond borders.

Later, Ethiopia formally presented its candidacy as a new CISM member nation, followed by a vibrant Kazakh wrestling demonstration that thrilled the audience and celebrated traditional military sport.

The day’s official proceedings concluded with a moving Medal Awarding Ceremony honoring a distinguished group of individuals for their exceptional dedication and support to the organization. The CISM Order of Merit was awarded to Colonel Artem Gromov, PCSC Climbing; Major Joey Ermens, PCSC Cycling; Colonel Marilyne Lafortune, PCSC Fencing; Major Jesus Maria Bernal Gomez, PCSC Orienteering; Navy Captain Jorge Flethes, PCSC Sailing; Major Nalinda Rathnayaka, PCSC Taekwondo; and Lieutenant Margherita Magnani, PCSC Track and Field.

Also recognized were Colonel-Major Maâti Moukane, Chief of the Moroccan Delegation, and Major General Staff Officer Dr. Mohamed Azazy Abdelaziz Farag Elassal, Chief of the Egyptian Delegation, for their unwavering commitment to CISM’s mission. Additionally, Brigadier Dr. Amr Mohamed Darweish of Egypt, Lieutenant Colonel Gandi Bello of Nigeria, and Warrant Officer Christophe Simond from the Sports Commission were honored for their outstanding service and contributions to the global military sports community.

Colonel Rolim delivered the final closing address of the Congress, expressing gratitude to all attendees and to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces for their exemplary hospitality. “This Congress was more than a meeting; it was a milestone. As we close this chapter, we look ahead with strength, clarity and solidarity,” he stated.

Tomorrow, May 23, will mark the final day of the 80th CISM General Assembly with another pivotal agenda: the CISM General Assembly, the official Closing Ceremony, the second session of the CISM Board of Directors and a majestic Gala Dinner to celebrate a week of achievement, partnership and peace through sport.

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