From 10 to 15 September 2026, the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is hosting the 1st CISM World Military Kurash Challenge, being held for the first time in the history of Kurash under the auspices of the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
The prestigious competition, being organised by the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, is expected to bring together more than 120 military athletes from over 15 countries. The competitions will be held in a total of 13 weight categories for men and women.
Ahead of the competition, a press conference was held in Tashkent. The event was attended by Alisher Norboev, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Uzbekistan; Roberto Recchia, Secretary General of the International Military Sports Council (CISM); Reza Bagheri Koli, CISM official representative; and Mohammad Reza Nassiri, Secretary General of the International Kurash Association (IKA).
Speaking at the event, Alisher Norboev expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in Uzbekistan to host the competition and emphasised that extensive preparations had been carried out to ensure the Challenge is organized at the highest level.
Speaking at the event, Roberto Recchia and Mohammad Reza Nassiri highlighted the importance of the Challenge in strengthening the position of Kurash within the international military sports movement. It was also emphasised that the competition will serve as an important testing and preparation platform ahead of future World Military Games.
As noted during the press conference, the competition is aimed not only at determining the winners but also at strengthening friendship, cooperation, and mutual trust among military athletes from different countries.
According to the competition program, the official opening ceremony, competitions in the lighter weight categories, and award ceremonies will take place on 12 September. On 13 September, the program will continue with competitions in the heavier weight categories, followed by the finals and the official closing ceremony of the competition.
