Romania’s Stoica shines and Italy secures third consecutive Team Gold at the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship

CAIRO (EGY) – The 25th World Military Equestrian Championship concluded in spectacular fashion on May 8 at the Kayan Equestrian Club, marking the end of three days of elite military sport, international camaraderie and unforgettable performances. With 57 riders from 19 nations competing on borrowed horses under the CISM banner of “Friendship Through Sport,” the event delivered a true celebration of military equestrian excellence.

The star of the championship was Romania’s L. Cpl. Stoica Stefania Alina, who clinched the individual gold medal with an impressive total of 159 points after three days of consistent and composed riding. Despite finishing eighth in the final day’s jump-off event with a 4-point round, her earlier performances gave her the edge in the overall standings.

Italy’s Gr. A. Filippo Martini Di Cigala delivered a flawless final day ride, finishing sixth in the Day 3 jump-off and closing the gap to just one point. His total of 158 points earned him the silver medal, narrowly missing out on the top of the podium. The bronze went to the UAE’s 1st Lt. Saeed Mohamed Almaazmi, who delivered a brilliant victory in the final round with a double clear and the fastest time in the jump-off (41.22 seconds), bringing his total to 150 points.

Among the final day’s top performers were WO. Anastasiia Shcherbakova of Russia, who finished second in the jump-off with a clean ride and strong time, and Egypt’s Cadet Ismaiel Mohamed Elboraie, who secured third place on Day 3 with an excellent performance, helping boost Egypt’s overall team standing. Egypt also saw strong results from Cpt. Nor Alden Hazem Abdulrahman and Lt. Col. Shady Ashraf Hasan, who placed fourth and fifth respectively in the Day 3 event.

The team competition once again confirmed Italy's status as a powerhouse in military equestrian sport. The Italian delegation secured the team gold medal with a cumulative total of 405 points, achieving this prestigious title for the third consecutive time and solidifying their dominance on the international stage. Host nation Egypt earned a historic silver medal with 388 points, their best result to date, while Qatar completed the podium with 370 points after a consistent and determined performance.

• Results Day 3

• Overall: Individual - Teams

As part of the closing ceremony, Qatar was also honored with the Friendship Trophy, a new distinction introduced at this edition and presented by CISM Partner A5, Journal of Defense Industry. The trophy celebrates the delegation that best embodies the values of international cooperation, solidarity and CISM’s unifying spirit through sport.

As the final riders dismounted and the dust settled in the Cairo arena, CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho praised the championship’s organization and spirit: “The level of professionalism, the unity among nations, and the outstanding hospitality of the Egyptian Armed Forces have made this event unforgettable. I sincerely thank the Local Organizing Committee and all who contributed to the success of the championship. This was not only a competition, it was a moment of shared values and military friendship at its finest.”

The unique format of CISM equestrian competitions, with all athletes riding borrowed horses, once again proved to be a true test of adaptability, skill and trust between rider and mount. Across all three days, riders displayed poise and perseverance, delivering thrilling rounds that captivated spectators in Cairo and online around the world.

For those who missed the action, the final day of competition, held on May 8, remains available to watch via the Egyptian Equestrian Federation’s YouTube channel:

The 25th World Military Equestrian Championship will be remembered not only for its dramatic finishes and superb horsemanship but for reinforcing the enduring bonds between military athletes across borders. As the riders return to their home nations, they carry with them not only medals, but memories of unity, excellence and true sportsmanship, until the next rendezvous on the international military sports calendar.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)