4th WMC Archery opens in Tehran with a message of Peace and Friendship

TEHRAN (IRI) — The 4th CISM WMC Archery officially opened on October 23 in Tehran, the historic heart of Persian culture and hospitality, under the auspices of CISM and hosted by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Military archers from Iran, Russia, Nigeria, Tunisia and Turkey gathered for a ceremony marked by honor, tradition and international camaraderie, a living expression of CISM’s motto “Friendship through Sport.”

The Opening Ceremony took place in full military decorum, attended by Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Deputy Coordinator of the Iranian Army Forces and highest authority of the event, Major General Hamid Vahedi, Commander of the Iranian Army Air Force, Major General Oleg Botsman, official CISM Representative, and Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation to CISM and Member of the CISM Board of Directors.

Following the national anthem of Iran and the parade of delegations, the ceremony set a tone of unity, mutual respect and friendship among nations.

In his opening address, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari welcomed participants to “the land of culture and literature, the cradle of chivalry and hospitality.” He reflected on the symbolic place of archery in Iranian tradition, recalling the legend of Arash the Archer, whose arrow defined peace rather than division. “Every arrow released on this field continues the flight of Arash’s arrow, an arrow that creates not distance between nations but friendship,” he said.

Representing the CISM leadership, the Official CISM Representative Major General Oleg Botsman conveyed greetings from CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and the Board of Directors, thanking the Iranian Armed Forces and CISM Delegation for their organization and hospitality. “Your presence here today is clear proof of our shared ideal, Friendship through Sport,” he emphasized.

Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi recalled that Tehran hosted the first CISM World Military Archery Championship, expressing pride in welcoming the competition back home. “Each arrow you release,” he told the athletes, “is not only a mark of accuracy and skill but also a message of peace, friendship and mutual respect.”

The opening ceremony beautifully illustrated CISM’s mission to unite armed forces through sport. Set against the scenic backdrop of Tehran and the Alborz Mountains, the event celebrated both athletic excellence and global friendship.

With exemplary hospitality and precise organization, the Iranian Armed Forces once again demonstrated their commitment to peace and cooperation through sport.

As the championship continues through 29 October 2025, the bows drawn on the field will symbolize not rivalry but unity, discipline and respect among soldiers of the world.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department & Iranian Delegation to CISM)