56th WMC Shooting officially opens in Cameri with 60 athletes from 17 nations

CAMERI (ITA) – The 56th CISM World Military Shooting (Shotgun) Championship officially opened on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, with a ceremony held at the Cameri Sports Hall, near Novara, Italy. Bringing together 60 athletes representing 17 nations, the championship is taking place from 19 to 24 October at the Cameri Military Air Base, with competitors preparing to contest the Trap and Skeet disciplines.

Organized by the Italian Defence General Staff in cooperation with the Italian Shooting Federation (FITAV) and the International Military Sports Council (CISM), the event marks another important milestone in Italy's longstanding commitment to international military sport. The Opening Ceremony gathered numerous distinguished military and civilian authorities, including CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, President of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and FITAV Luciano Rossi, and the Official CISM Representative (OCR), Commander Florentia Sfakianou of the Hellenic Navy.

Also attending were Major General Giuseppe De Liso, Head of the 5th Division of the Italian Defence General Staff, Lieutenant General Gianluca Carai of the Italian Army, Rear Admiral Flavio Biaggi, representing the Italian Navy, Brigadier General Urbano Floreani of the Italian Air Force, Colonel Stefano Bianca, Chief of the Italian Delegation to CISM and Head of the Local Organizing Committee, as well as representatives of the municipalities of Cameri and Novara, participating delegations and members of the CISM Shooting Committee.

In her opening address, Commander Florentia Sfakianou warmly welcomed the participating delegations and expressed CISM's appreciation to the Italian authorities and organizers for their commitment to delivering a successful championship. "A championship of this level is never the result of the efforts of one organization alone. It is the result of cooperation, trust and a shared commitment to excellence. And this Championship is a wonderful example of that spirit," she declared.

The Official CISM Representative highlighted the close cooperation between the Italian Delegation to CISM, FITAV, the municipalities of Cameri and Novara, the Cameri Air Base and the various partners involved in the organization of the event. This year's championship carries particular significance as it coincides with the centenary of the Italian Shooting Federation, founded in 1926. The anniversary provides a special backdrop to the competition, celebrating a century of dedication to shooting sport and the strong relationship between the Italian sporting and military communities.

Commander Sfakianou also paid tribute to Italy's historical contribution to the development of CISM, recalling that the country joined the organization in 1949 and has since hosted two CISM Summer World Games, one CISM Winter World Games and more than 100 CISM sporting events. Her address placed particular emphasis on the values of solidarity, mutual respect and international friendship that underpin CISM's mission. "CISM brings military personnel from different nations, cultures and backgrounds together—not on the battlefield, but on the sports field, where competition becomes an opportunity for understanding, respect and friendship," she emphasized. "This is the true meaning of our motto: 'Friendship through Sport.'"

ISSF and FITAV President Luciano Rossi also addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of the close collaboration between the Armed Forces and shooting sport organizations at both national and international levels. His presence at the ceremony further demonstrated the strong relationship between CISM and the international shooting sport community.

A particularly significant moment of the ceremony came when Commander Florentia Sfakianou presented President Luciano Rossi with the Officer distinction of the International Military Sports Council, recognizing his contribution to the development of shooting sport and the cooperation between the international shooting community and military sport.

The championship is being hosted at the historic shooting facilities of the Cameri Military Air Base, whose origins date back to 1933. The venue provides a fitting setting for an international competition combining sporting excellence, military traditions and friendship among nations.

Addressing the athletes directly, Commander Sfakianou encouraged them to pursue excellence while remaining faithful to the principles of fair play and mutual respect. "In shooting, precision, concentration and discipline are essential. But beyond the results on the scoreboard, this Championship gives each of you another opportunity: to meet your military colleagues from around the world, to share experiences and to build friendships that can last far beyond this competition."

With the Opening Ceremony concluded, attention now turns to the sporting programme. Competition begins on Wednesday, 21 October, with the first 75 qualification targets in both Trap and Skeet. On Thursday, 22 October, athletes will compete in a further 50 qualification targets before the individual finals determine the new military world champions.

The championship will continue on Friday, 23 October, with the mixed-team competitions in both disciplines, followed by the awarding of medals and the official Closing Ceremony. The departure of delegations is scheduled for Saturday, 24 October.

Concluding her address, Commander Sfakianou delivered a final message to all participants: "Dear athletes, the field is yours. Compete with passion. Compete with respect. And enjoy every moment of this Championship."

As the world's military shotgun specialists prepare to compete in Cameri, the 56th CISM World Military Shooting Championship promises not only outstanding sporting performances but also another celebration of the values that have united the CISM family for nearly eight decades.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Italian Delegation to CISM)