From September 10 to 15, 2026, the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, will host the 1st CISM World Military Kurash Challenge—a historic event marking the first time this prestigious competition in Uzbekistan
Organized under the auspices of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), the tournament will be hosted by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The event aims to promote the development of Kurash among military personnel, strengthen friendship and mutual trust between armed forces worldwide, and embody CISM’s motto: “Sport through friendship.”
The International Kurash Association regards this competition as a historic milestone that will elevate Kurash within the international military sports system. All events will take place at the modern Olympic City sports complex in Tashkent.
According to the program, an official technical meeting and press conference will be held on September 11. On September 12 and 13, the official opening ceremony, competitions among men and women, and award ceremonies will take place. Cultural events and the departure of delegations are scheduled for September 14 and 15.
Competitions will be held across 13 weight categories, including 8 for men and 5 for women.
Winners and prizewinners will be determined in each weight category, while the top three national teams in the overall standings will be awarded special trophies. In addition, special awards will be presented in the nominations of “Best Athlete,” “Best Female Athlete,” “Fair Play,” and “Best Referee.”
Only active military personnel are eligible to participate in the competition.
The application deadlines for participating countries are set as follows:
The Preliminary Agreement must be submitted by July 10, 2026, and the Final Entry by August 10, 2026. Official photographs of participating athletes must also be submitted by August 10, 2026, for the preparation of identification cards.
The International Kurash Association invites the Ministries of Defense, national military sports centers, and CISM national delegations of all eligible countries to actively participate in the 1st CISM World Military Kurash Challenge in Tashkent from September 10 to 15, 2026. Participating delegations are kindly requested to strictly adhere to the established deadlines and submit their applications through their authorized national military sports bodies.
