Inaugural CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge successfully concludes in Nigeria
ABUJA (NGR) – The 1st CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge successfully concluded in Nigeria after bringing together military wrestlers from six nations representing Africa, Asia and Europe from 8 to 12 September 2026. Athletes from Algeria, Iran, Mali, Nigeria, Russia and Tunisia took part in this inaugural CISM event, marking an important first step in the development of Beach Wrestling within the CISM sports programme.
Combining high-level competition with the values of military sport, the Challenge offered athletes and delegations an opportunity not only to compete in this dynamic wrestling discipline, but also to strengthen relations between Armed Forces from different regions of the world in the spirit of CISM's motto, “Friendship through Sport.” The successful staging of this first edition was made possible thanks to the strong commitment of the Nigerian organizers, whose hospitality and efforts contributed significantly to the positive atmosphere surrounding the competition.
The men's programme featured competitions across four weight categories – 70 kg, 80 kg, 90 kg and +90 kg – with Russia and Iran emerging as the leading nations.
In the 70 kg category, Russia's Igor Matveen secured the title ahead of Iran's Mehdi Dashi, while Algeria's Faysseal Benfredi completed the top three. Nigerian representative Emmanuel Keku finished fourth.
The 80 kg competition saw Iran take its first victory of the Challenge through Aliereza Sedghiyani. Algeria's Chawki Doulache claimed second place, ahead of Russia's Igor Upkhoev, while Nigeria's Tobechukwu U. finished fourth.
Russia returned to the top of the standings in the 90 kg category, where Askhab Saadulladev took first place. Tunisia's Issa Rhimi earned second place, with Algeria's Ramzi Aidi taking third and Nigeria's Tobechukwu O. fourth.
The final men's title, in the +90 kg category, went to Iran's Ebfan Jafari, who finished ahead of Russia's Igor Ovsiannisov. Algeria secured another podium finish through Amine Bendjelloui, while Nigeria's Hamza S. took fourth place.
These results underlined the consistency of the Russian and Iranian delegations throughout the competition, while Algeria also demonstrated a strong overall performance by placing an athlete among the top three in each of the four men's categories.
At the conclusion of the men's competition, Russia occupied first position in the men's medal table with 85 points, following its two individual victories and other podium performances. Iran finished second with 70 points, while Algeria placed third with 65 points. Host nation Nigeria followed in fourth position with 60 points, ahead of Tunisia, fifth with 20 points, and Mali, sixth.
The close standings between the three leading delegations reflected a competitive first edition, with Russia and Iran sharing the four individual men's titles and Algeria consistently challenging for the podium.
Female participation was also included in the programme of this first CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge, with four female athletes taking part, all representing host nation Nigeria. Four Nigerian female athletes participated in demonstration matches. As no female athletes from other nations were entered, they were awarded first place in their respective weight categories, marking a first step towards broader female participation in future CISM Beach Wrestling competitions. Nevertheless, the inclusion of female athletes in this inaugural edition provided an initial platform for women's participation, with the prospect of broader international representation at future CISM Beach Wrestling events.
Alongside the sporting competition, the 1st CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge also featured an International Referee Course, adding an important educational and technical dimension to the inaugural event. Organized during the Challenge, the course provided an opportunity to further develop refereeing knowledge and expertise in Beach Wrestling and to contribute to the harmonization of officiating standards for future CISM competitions.
The combination of competition and technical education highlighted CISM's broader approach to sports development. Beyond providing athletes with opportunities to compete internationally, CISM events also serve as platforms for the development of officials, referees and other technical personnel. Together with the training and certification activities conducted as part of the anti-doping programme, the International Referee Course contributed to the long-term legacy of the event, ensuring that the first CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge also supported capacity-building and knowledge-sharing beyond the field of play.
One of the particularly positive aspects of the Challenge was the work carried out around the CISM anti-doping programme. In preparation for the competition, local Doping Control Officers (DCOs) and chaperones were trained and certified, helping to develop additional local expertise that will remain useful beyond this particular event.
During the Challenge itself, doping control procedures were conducted professionally and in accordance with CISM requirements, ensuring that the sporting competition was accompanied by the necessary measures to protect integrity and fair play. The programme therefore represented more than an operational component of the competition. The training and certification provided ahead of the event also created a tangible legacy for the Nigerian organizers and reinforced the importance CISM places on clean sport across its competitions.
The successful organization of the first CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge provided an encouraging foundation for the further development of the discipline within military sport. With six participating nations from three continents, competitive men's categories, the inclusion of female participation, a professionally implemented anti-doping programme and strong support from the Nigerian hosts, this inaugural edition offered valuable experience for athletes, officials and organizers alike.
Above all, the Challenge demonstrated once again how military sport can create opportunities for Armed Forces from different countries and cultures to meet through sporting competition and build relationships based on friendship, respect and solidarity. CISM congratulates the Nigerian hosts and organizers, as well as all participating delegations, athletes, officials and volunteers who contributed to the success of this first edition.
The 1st CISM Military Beach Wrestling Challenge concluded with an encouraging outlook for the future development of Beach Wrestling within CISM and another strong expression of “Friendship through Sport.”
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department – Pictures: Nigerian Delegation to CISM)
