Warsaw celebrates International Day of Military Sports 2026 and International Women’s Day through sport

WARSAW (POL) – A vibrant celebration of sport, unity and physical activity took place on 8 March 2026 at the historic Warsaw Citadel, where soldiers and civilians gathered in front of the Polish Army Museum to mark International Day of Military Sports, combined this year with International Women’s Day. The event brought together military personnel, athletes and members of the public for a dynamic training session led by elite soldier-athletes from the Central Military Sports Group (CWZS), highlighting the close connection between military service, sport and physical readiness.

At noon, participants assembled on the square in front of the museum to take part in the open sporting session. The event was officially opened by Major Boruszewski, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the spirit of the occasion. “I am very pleased that we can meet here today and celebrate International Day of Military Sports together in a sporting atmosphere, which this year we are celebrating together with Women’s Day in a sporty way,” he said, also extending warm wishes to all women attending the event. Representing the Polish Army Museum, Anna Dąb-Kostrzewa also addressed the audience, encouraging participants to celebrate the day through sport and shared activity.

The training session was designed in three stages, giving participants the opportunity to experience different aspects of military and athletic preparation. The warm-up session was led by athletics representatives Sgt. Marika Popowicz-Drapała, PFC Magdalena Bokun, and Pvt. Jakub Szymański, who introduced exercises inspired by sprinting, hurdling and long jump training, preparing participants for the main workout.

The central part of the session focused on boxing and self-defense techniques. The training was conducted by PFC Exp. Sandra Drabik, together with world boxing champion PFC Exp. Agata Kaczmarska and PFC Exp. Damian Durkacz. Participants enthusiastically engaged in partner drills, one of the most popular elements of the session, allowing them to practice punches and basic combat techniques in a controlled environment.

The workout concluded with a cool-down and stretching phase, led by Olympic athletes from different disciplines, including wrestler PFC Exp. Tadeusz Michalik, épée fencer Pvt. Alicja Klasik, and sport shooting athlete PFC Exp. Aleksandra Pietruk. They were joined by canoeists CPL Helena Wiśniewska and PFC Exp. Karolina Naja, who encouraged participants to stay active and maintain regular physical training.

Soldiers from the 18th Capital Territorial Defence Brigade also took part in the training, demonstrating once again the strong bond between military service and sport. Physical conditioning, including elements such as martial arts and endurance training, remains a fundamental component of operational readiness for armed forces personnel.

Following the training session, participants had the opportunity to interact with representatives of the Central Military Recruitment Center Warsaw-Śródmieście and explore military opportunities. Visitors could also experience modern training tools, including a virtual reality (VR) simulation, allowing them to test their skills in an immersive environment.

The International Day of Military Sports, celebrated annually on 18 February, commemorates the creation of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) in 1948. Poland has been an active member of CISM since 1991, contributing regularly to the promotion of military sport and international cooperation through sport.

The Warsaw event perfectly illustrated the values promoted by CISM—friendship, solidarity and fair play—bringing together soldiers and civilians in a shared celebration of sport.

The event was co-organized with the Polish Army Museum, and special thanks were extended to its Director, Prof. Bogusław Pacek, for his support and cooperation.

(Source: https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/)