Denmark and China excel in the Ball Contest as the WMC Aeronautical Pentathlon enters its final phase
RIO DE JANEIRO (BRA) – The fourth day of the 61st CISM World Military Aeronautical Pentathlon Championship unfolded in Rio de Janeiro on November 10 with a mix of intensity and anticipation. The competition moved to the courts of the Air Force University (CDA) for the Ball Contest, a signature discipline of the Aeronautical Pentathlon that combines agility, precision, coordination and speed. The event tested the athletes’ ability to react under pressure while maintaining accuracy and control, qualities directly inspired by the reflexes and focus required of air force personnel in operational situations.
Under the early morning sun, the atmosphere around the court was charged with energy. Teams cheered for their athletes as the contest began, each competitor striving to balance speed and precision while performing a series of throws and rebounds according to CISM Aeronautical Pentathlon regulations. The discipline requires athletes to hit a backboard and score direct shots within a strict time limit, with penalties applied for missed targets or procedural errors. Each second counts, and success depends on rhythm, accuracy and mental stability.
In the men’s competition, Denmark’s Sergeant Oscar Paustian delivered a superb performance that earned him the gold medal with a score of 994 points. His display combined remarkable consistency and timing, making him the fastest and most accurate competitor of the day with eight successful backboard hits and seven direct shots. The Czech Republic’s Captain Václav Daněk followed closely, securing second place with 894 points after an excellent round marked by fast movements and precise execution. Spain’s Sergeant Major Victor Sánchez completed the podium with 892 points, maintaining Spain’s presence among the leading nations.
Strong performances also came from China and Ukraine. China’s Pilot Officer Minghao Li placed fourth with 890 points, while Spain’s Brigadier David Revuelto finished fifth with 886. Ukraine’s Major Dmytro Kmetiuk, already leading the overall classification after the first three days, maintained his momentum by finishing sixth in the Ball Contest with 880 points, keeping his overall advantage intact. His teammates, Major Yaroslav Vasiuta and Major Vadym Rud, also remained among the top ten, contributing valuable points to Ukraine’s team total.
Brazil once again performed well on home ground. Captain Ariel Kaczmark recorded a strong score of 854 points, placing eighth and reinforcing Brazil’s consistency across all disciplines. His teammate, Lieutenant Thiago Gomes, followed with 800 points, while Major Joel Belo achieved 624. The host nation’s enthusiastic supporters celebrated each successful round, their cheers echoing through the gymnasium.
The women’s competition was equally impressive and brought another triumph for China. Flying Officer Haoqin He demonstrated exceptional technical mastery to win the event with 900 points, followed by her compatriot Pilot Officer Jia Wang, who earned 896. Together, they showcased the same composure and coordination that have characterized China’s domination since the beginning of the championship. Spain’s Sergeant Andrea Fernández claimed third place with 676 points, ahead of China’s Sergeant Kaili Zhang with 656, while Finland’s Staff Sergeant Heini Pelto rounded out the top five with 636 after a determined and disciplined effort.
Brazilian athletes continued to receive strong support from the home crowd. Sergeant Mariana Bagnara finished sixth with 612 points, just ahead of her teammate Sergeant Ellen Souza with 610. Both athletes displayed focus and resilience, reflecting Brazil’s growing strength in women’s military sport. Lithuania’s Sergeant Vaiva Pestininké achieved 600 points to secure eighth place, maintaining her consistent performance across all events.
The updated overall rankings after four disciplines confirmed Ukraine’s continued leadership in the men’s category. Major Dmytro Kmetiuk remained at the top of the classification with an impressive total of 4,152 points, maintaining a strong lead ahead of China’s Flight Sergeant Yahao Li with 3,921 and China’s Sergeant Yixing Zhu with 3,744. Pilot Officer Minghao Li from China advanced to fourth with 3,697 points, while Ukraine’s Major Mykhailo Bezuhlyi closed the top five with 3,632. Brazil’s Captain Ariel Kaczmark held sixth place with 3,487 points, followed closely by the Czech Republic’s Captain Jakub Hlavác and Ukraine’s Major Yaroslav Vasiuta.
In the women’s category, China confirmed its absolute dominance with Flying Officer Haoqin He retaining the top position after four events with a total of 3,888 points. Brazil’s Sergeant Ellen Souza continued her excellent run, ranking second overall with 3,458 points and remaining within striking distance of the leader. China’s Sergeant Kaili Zhang followed in third with 3,434, while her teammate Pilot Officer Jia Wang was just behind with 3,421. Lithuania’s Sergeant Vaiva Pestininké held fifth with 3,158, narrowly ahead of Finland’s record-setting shooter, Staff Sergeant Heini Pelto, who reached 3,153.
At the team level, China extended its lead in both the men’s and women’s standings. In the men’s classification, China now totals 11,362 points, ahead of Ukraine with 11,209, Brazil with 9,997 and Spain with 9,967. Finland and the Czech Republic continue to compete closely for the following positions. Among the women’s teams, China leads with 7,322 points, Brazil follows with 6,186, and Spain and Ukraine maintain third and fourth positions respectively. Lithuania, Denmark, and Sweden complete the ranking after the Ball Contest.
In the afternoon, athletes moved to the 8th Parachute Artillery Group and the 26th Parachute Infantry Battalion for training sessions in Orienteering and the Obstacle Run, the two final and most physically demanding events of the Aeronautical Pentathlon. These disciplines represent the ultimate test of endurance, speed, navigation, and coordination. Competitors will need to demonstrate not only physical strength but also mental clarity and the ability to adapt under fatigue and stress.
As the championship approaches its decisive moments, the Ball Contest brought another day of outstanding performances, teamwork, and mutual respect among athletes. With only two events left to complete, the competition for the title of World Military Aeronautical Pentathlon Champion is entering its final and most thrilling stage, where precision, resilience, and courage will determine the champions of 2025.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)
