4th WMC Archery - Summary News
TEHRAN (IRI) - The 4th CISM World Military Archery Championship unfolded in Tehran from 23 to 29 October 2025, bringing together military archers from Iran, Turkey, Russia, Tunisia and Nigeria for a week marked by athletic excellence, cultural pride and the spirit of global camaraderie that defines CISM. Hosted by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran under the auspices of the International Military Sports Council, the event celebrated both the heritage of archery in Iranian culture and the unifying values of peace and friendship through sport.
The opening ceremony, held in the historic heart of Tehran against the scenic backdrop of the Alborz Mountains, blended full military decorum with cultural symbolism. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, Deputy Coordinator of the Iranian Army Forces and highest authority of the event, welcomed all delegations to what he called “the land of culture and literature, the cradle of chivalry and hospitality.” In a powerful reflection on archery’s place in Iranian tradition, he evoked the legend of Arash the Archer, whose mythical arrow defined peace rather than war. Every arrow released in Tehran, he said, continued that symbolic flight, carrying a message of unity instead of division. Major General Oleg Botsman, representing the CISM President and leadership, thanked the Iranian Armed Forces for their hospitality and organization, underlining that the presence of all delegations was a vivid demonstration of the shared ideal of Friendship through Sport. Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation to CISM and member of the CISM Board of Directors, recalled that Tehran hosted the first edition of the CISM World Military Archery Championship, expressing pride in bringing the event back to its original home.
The competitions began with intensity and technical excellence at the Equestrian and Archery Complex of the Army Ground Forces. Fifty-one athletes, including men, women and para-athletes, competed in the recurve and compound disciplines. The first day immediately set a high standard, with Iranian and Turkish recurve teams advancing to the finals and Tunisia delivering a memorable mixed recurve victory against Russia. Olympians and internationally accomplished archers from Iran, Turkey and Russia elevated the level of competition, inspiring athletes and the audience alike. Friendship and mutual respect were evident throughout the day, perfectly illustrating the CISM motto.
The second day combined high-level competition with one of the most symbolic initiatives of the championship. Beyond the official recurve and compound events, the Host Organizing Committee introduced a special International Mixed Team Event designed to promote unity among nations. Although unofficial and not included in the medal count, it became one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant moments of the week. Teams composed of athletes from different nations stood side by side, competing as allies rather than opponents. Russia and Tunisia won the mixed recurve event, followed by mixed Iranian teams, while the mixed compound event saw Russia earn first place ahead of Iran and multicultural combinations involving Iran, Turkey and Russia completing the podium.
The para-archery category was marked by outstanding displays of courage, discipline and determination. Iran won the para compound individual and team titles, while Russia prevailed in the para recurve individual event. In the para recurve team competition, Iran secured first place with Russia in second. One of the most dramatic moments of the championship came when a Tunisian recurve archer defeated a strong Russian opponent to reach the men’s individual recurve final, triggering a wave of enthusiasm across the arena and highlighting the competitive depth of the event. The elimination rounds also defined the finals for each category, featuring Turkish, Russian, Iranian and Tunisian athletes whose performances reflected precision, calm and concentration under pressure.
The closing ceremony encapsulated the spirit of unity and respect that had characterized the event. Distinguished Iranian military leaders, including Major General Shakhkhasani and Major General Hamid Vahedi, praised the athletes for their professionalism and discipline and reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing tradition of hospitality and chivalry. Major General Vahedi described sport as a powerful tool to foster understanding and reduce tensions among nations, echoing Iran’s cultural belief in peace and human connection. Representing CISM, Major General Oleg Botsman congratulated the Iranian Armed Forces for their impeccable organization and warm reception and emphasized that the championship stood as a living example of cooperation and solidarity among soldiers of the world.
The final results confirmed Iran as the overall champion, with an impressive total of seven gold, five silver and five bronze medals. Turkey followed in second place with four gold and three silver medals, while Russia ranked third with three gold, eight silver and seven bronze. Tunisia’s contributions were acknowledged with the Fair Play Cup for their exemplary sportsmanship and positive spirit throughout the week. Iran was also awarded the prestigious Friendship Through Sport Trophy, offered by the CISM Partner A5 Defense Industry Magazine, in recognition of its organizational excellence and deep commitment to CISM values. Individual distinctions were also celebrated, with Emircan Haney of Turkey named Best Male Athlete and Geesa Baybordi of Iran awarded Best Female Athlete. Additional recognition was given to the best para-athletes and the officiating judges, who ensured the fairness and professionalism of every competition.
Beyond the medals, the championship left a lasting legacy of unity, cooperation and cultural exchange. Athletes and officials shared experiences, traditions and moments of friendship that transcended competitive boundaries. The International Mixed Team Event, in particular, symbolized the broader purpose of CISM events, reminding all participants that military sport serves as a bridge between nations and a platform of peace.
As the final bows were lowered and the last targets cleared, the championship concluded not only as a showcase of remarkable technical skill but also as a profound affirmation of CISM’s mission. The event will be remembered as a celebration of archery, of international solidarity and of the enduring message that friendship through sport remains the true victory shared by all participants.
 | 4th WMC Archery opens in Tehran with a message of Peace and Friendship |
 | Precision, passion, and peace define the first days of the 4th WMC Archery |
 | Friendship and precision shine at the closing of the 4th WMC Archery |
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Iranian Delegation to CISM)
