A celebration of military sport and solidarity at the Closing of the 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon
WUHAN (CHN) — The 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon officially concluded on 24 October 2025 with a memorable Closing Ceremony held at the Mulan Lake Campus of the Naval University of Engineering in Wuhan. The event marked the culmination of nine days of intense competition, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among the world’s best military pentathletes.
Over the course of the championship, athletes competed across the five official events of Naval Pentathlon as defined by the CISM regulations. Individual performances across these events determined both personal and team rankings. In the end, China confirmed its dominance, capturing first place in both men’s and women’s team categories.
Chinese stars Zhang Na and Cheng Fengxuan claimed the individual titles in the women’s and men’s categories respectively. Russia finished second in both team classifications, while Brazil secured the third position overall. In the Obstacle Relay, China once again prevailed, followed by Brazil and Russia in the men’s race, and Spain and Russia in the women’s category.
The awards were presented in accordance with CISM and Chinese military ceremony protocols, in the presence of CISM officials, Chinese military authorities, and the local organizing committee. As part of the special distinctions, China received the CISM Friendship Through Sport Cup, following a unanimous vote from the participating nations. South Africa and Cambodia were both honored with the Fair Play Cup, presented by Colonel Joseph Bakari (Official CISM Representative) and Corporal Roccofabio Miseo, CISM PCSC for Naval Pentathlon.
In his closing address, Colonel Joseph Bakari, speaking on behalf of CISM, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Chinese Armed Forces, the Naval University of Engineering, and the entire Local Organizing Committee led by Rear Admiral Peng Tao for their remarkable hospitality and professionalism.
“Here in Wuhan, a city that once stood on global headlines, we have now witnessed a powerful symbol of resilience, renewal, and cooperation,” said Colonel Bakari. “We saw not only pentathlon excellence but also the triumph of unity over division, and sport over conflict. This event has once again proved that when China hosts, the global military sports community is in excellent hands.”
He also congratulated all participating nations for their dedication and spirit of fair play.
“Whether you earned a medal or simply gave your absolute best, you have honored your nations, your armed forces, and the ideals of CISM. You are all our true champions, and we are immensely proud of you,” he concluded.
During the ceremony, several members of the Local Organizing Committee were also decorated with the CISM Order of Merit in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the development of military sport and their service to the CISM cause.
Following CISM tradition, Rear Admiral Peng Tao, President of the Naval University of Engineering, officially declared the championship closed. In the absence of a confirmed next host nation, the CISM Flag was ceremonially handed over to Colonel Joseph Bakari, representing the CISM leadership.
The final medal standings confirmed China’s unmatched supremacy at this 54th edition, with a total of 9 medals (6 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze). Russia followed with 5 medals (3 silver, 2 bronze), while Brazil earned 3 medals (1 silver, 2 bronze). Spain took one silver medal, completing the list of nations that reached the podium.
With its stellar performance and impeccable organization, the Wuhan edition of the CISM Naval Pentathlon reaffirmed the strength of Friendship Through Sport, the guiding motto of the International Military Sports Council.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Chinese Delegation to CISM)
