Innovation meets tradition at the 80th CISM Congress in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (SRI) – The 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress entered a pivotal phase yesterday as the first session of the CISM Congress 2025 unfolded in the elegant Grand Maitland Room of the Victorium Château, offering a full day of intellectual exchange, strategic insights, and forward-looking dialogue within the global military sports community.

With 246 from 76 nations attending the event, the Congress began with formal addresses from CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and the Chief of the Sri Lankan Delegation, both emphasizing the unifying power of military sport and the strong cooperation between CISM and the host nation. CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia followed with an overview of the program and key activities, setting the tone for a productive and future-oriented Congress.

The first major block of the session spotlighted cutting-edge research. Dr. Prabod Dharashana Munasinghe delivered an enlightening presentation on the impact of sportswear on athlete performance, blending science and practice to address a fast-evolving field. Shortly after, Mr. Myungwon Lee captivated the audience with a discussion on virtual taekwondo and how digital technologies are enhancing athlete preparation and performance. The presentation was followed by a live demonstration featuring two Sri Lankan taekwondo athletes, showcasing how this innovative discipline can combine tradition and technology to revolutionize training methods.

The afternoon shifted gears to institutional transparency and strategic planning. Colonel Rolim and Captain Recchia presented their respective activity reports, followed by the Vice-Presidents from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Each VP highlighted progress and priorities across continents, reaffirming CISM’s global footprint.

One of the most anticipated segments was the comprehensive budget and finance report. CISM Treasurer General, along with the Finance Commission, reviewed the 2024 balance and proposed the 2026 budget. The reports reflected a prudent and sustainable financial outlook, rooted in both fiscal responsibility and ambition.

The Congress continued with updates from various CISM Commissions, including Strategy, Solidarity, Sports, Para Sport, Sports Science, and Women in CISM. Each report underscored a growing commitment to inclusion, scientific advancement, and institutional development.

A presentation from Colonel Walter Borghino of the ISSF strengthened the ties between CISM and international federations, illustrating how technical partnerships fuel the growth of military sport on the global stage.

The day concluded with a presentation of the upcoming 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress 2026, led by the Monaco Delegation to CISM, offering a glimpse into the organization’s path forward.

In his closing address, Colonel Rolim praised the high-level discussions and the spirit of unity displayed throughout the day. "Today, we did not just share ideas, we shared a common mission to innovate, strengthen and elevate military sport as a bridge for peace and understanding," he said.

Today, May 22, marks the second and final day of the CISM Congress 2025. Delegates will reconvene to finalize ongoing discussions and take part in the traditional Gift Exchange Ceremony, a symbolic gesture of international camaraderie that encapsulates the spirit of CISM: friendship through sport.

Stay tuned for more updates as Colombo continues to be the epicenter of global military sport this week.

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