Strengthening bonds through sport: 8th Asian CISM Meeting unites nations in Tehran

TEHRAN (IRI) - Iran successfully hosted the 8th Asian CISM Meeting from February 23 to 26, 2025, welcoming 13 member nations - Iran, Iraq, Oman, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Thailand, DPRK, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Turkmenistan - alongside observers Japan and Tajikistan. The event was attended by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM BoD Member Lt. Colonel Ghulam Shabbir Anjum, CISM Games Director Colonel Joseph Bakari, CISM Game Manager Colonel Reza Bagheri, and Asian Liaison Officer Captain Saif Al Marri.

At the opening ceremony, Major General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, guest of honor and Deputy Chief of General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, emphasized the meeting’s role in fostering peace, unity, and human values through sport. CISM Secretary General highlighted Iran’s dedication to military sports and international cooperation, while Colonel Ghulam Shabbir Anjum reaffirmed the importance of military sports in strengthening friendship and diplomacy across Asia.

The meeting addressed key topics related to the expansion of Asian military sports, including the Iranian hosting of three World Military Championships annually and full participation in all Asian-hosted CISM competitions. Furthermore, Iran committed to strengthening solidarity programs through sending wrestling coaches to train other nations and the intention of launching the first-ever CISM Polo Challenge to celebrate polo’s Iranian heritage. Plans were also announced for hosting specialized sporting events in archery, weightlifting, and climbing for peace. Thailand confirmed its commitment to organizing the First World Military Muaythai Challenge, while Kazakhstan presented its plans for the First World Military Qazaq Kuresi Challenge. Iran also showcased its rich sporting traditions with a Zorkhaneh demonstration, traditional sport activity, reinforcing its dedication to preserving indigenous sports.

CISM representatives visited Iran’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), where NOC President Dr. Mahmoud Khosravivafa praised CISM’s role in fostering peace and sports diplomacy. He acknowledged Major General Jamshid Fooladi’s contributions to military and national sports and pledged support for future collaboration. The Secretary General also met with Iran’s Minister of Defense, Major Brigadier General Nasirzadeh, commending Iran’s leadership within CISM. The Minister reaffirmed the Iranian Armed Forces’ commitment to CISM’s mission and recognized the Secretary General’s contributions.

At the closing ceremony, Major General Mahmoud Sheikh Hassani, Deputy of Education of the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace through sport. The Secretary General praised Iran’s hospitality and emphasized the meeting’s role in strengthening military sports cooperation across Asia. Brigadier General Fooladi highlighted sports as a force for unity, while Lt. Colonel Ghulam Shabbir Anjum underscored the region’s collective efforts to advance CISM’s mission of "Friendship Through Sport."

The 8th Asian CISM Meeting concluded with a strengthened commitment to fostering military sports collaboration, ensuring continued growth and development across the continent.

(Source: Iranian Delegation to CISM)