China triumphs in the Amphibious Cross-Country and Obstacle Relay to seal dominant victory at the 54th WMC Naval Pentathlon in Wuhan

WUHAN (CHN) – The 54th CISM World Military Naval Pentathlon Championship reached its climax on October 23 with a day of unforgettable performances at the Naval University of Engineering’s Mulan Lake Campus in Wuhan, Hubei Province. After five demanding events that blended physical strength, maritime skill, and teamwork, China confirmed its supremacy by capturing both the men’s and women’s team titles and several individual crowns.

The morning began with the Amphibious Cross-Country Race, one of the most challenging and symbolic events of Naval Pentathlon. Combining open-water swimming and land running, this final individual race required athletes to demonstrate endurance, adaptability, and determination across variable terrain. Twenty women from seven countries and forty-three men from nine nations took part, representing China, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Iran, Italy, Cambodia, Pakistan, and South Africa.

In the women’s race, Zhang Na (CHN) delivered a dominant performance to secure first place ahead of Tatiane Pereira de Souza (BRA) and Li Shun (CHN). In the men’s category, Ivan Nadorov (RUS) triumphed after a powerful run and swim combination, followed by compatriot Nikita Kaletin (RUS) in second and Cheng Fengxuan (CHN) in third.

With the completion of the five disciplines, Obstacle Race, Lifesaving Swimming Race, Utility Swimming Race, Seamanship Race, and Amphibious Cross-Country, the overall rankings were determined. Cheng Fengxuan (CHN) claimed the Men’s Individual Championship with 8125 points, narrowly ahead of Ivan Nadorov (RUS) with 8111 and Yang Jin (CHN) with 8083. Guo Ziyuan (CHN) finished fourth and Ivanilson Soares de Sousa (BRA) fifth.

In the Women’s Individual Standings, Zhang Na (CHN) confirmed her dominance with 6187 points to earn the title, followed by Li Shun (CHN) and Xiao Jiahui (CHN) for a complete Chinese podium. Anna Antonova (RUS) and Tatiane Pereira de Souza (BRA) completed the top five.

China’s consistency across all disciplines translated into collective success, as the host nation secured both the Men’s and Women’s Team Championships, with Russia finishing second and Brazil third in both categories.

The competition day continued in the afternoon with the spectacular Obstacle Relay Race, the final team event of the championship and one of the most thrilling spectacles for the spectators gathered around the obstacle field. This relay requires each team to clear a succession of military-style obstacles such as climbing nets, balance beams, rope traverses, and hurdles, emphasizing coordination, agility, and rhythm.

In the Women’s Obstacle Relay, Team China once again took gold with a flawless run, while Brazil and Russia captured silver and bronze respectively. The Men’s Relay saw another outstanding Chinese victory, with Spain finishing second and Russia third.

As the sun set over Mulan Lake, the atmosphere reflected both the exhaustion and pride of the athletes who had lived a week of intense competition and camaraderie. The CISM motto “Friendship Through Sport” was visible everywhere, from handshakes between rivals to the shared celebrations after the races. The Wuhan Organizing Committee and the People’s Liberation Army Navy earned high praise for their professional organization, warm hospitality, and impeccable facilities.

The Closing Ceremony will take place later today at the Naval University of Engineering, marking the official conclusion of this 54th edition and celebrating all participating nations.

CISM warmly congratulates all athletes and organizers for their exemplary spirit and commitment. The next CISM event will follow immediately with the 4th CISM World Military Archery Championship, held from 23 to 29 October 2025 in Tehran, Iran, where the world’s military archers will continue to strengthen the bonds of friendship and peace through sport.

• Results Day 4 - Amphibious Cross-Country Race - Final Individual Ranking - Final Team Ranking - Obstacle Relay

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Chinese Delegation to CISM)