WANA (Oct 27) – The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran claimed the championship title at the 4th World Military Archery Championship (CISM 2025), securing seven gold medals in total. Turkey and Russia took second and third place respectively.

 

The three-day tournament was hosted by the Iranian Air Force at the Archery Federation Complex in Tehran, with teams from Iran, Russia, Turkey, Tunisia, and Nigeria participating. For the first time, the event also featured wounded veterans and athletes with disabilities — a gesture organizers described as a testament to sportsmanship, equality, and mutual respect among the world’s armed forces.

 

During the closing ceremony, Brigadier General Pilot Hamid Vahedi, Commander of the Iranian Air Force, thanked representatives of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) and the organizers of the championship, saying: “You are guests of a nation whose civilization dates back to the dawn of human societies — a place where people first recognized the necessity of peaceful coexistence, and where the culture of chivalry and sport became deeply intertwined.”

 

Highlighting the historic bond between Iranian culture and athletic values, he added: “In Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, Arash the Archer stands as a symbol of bravery and benevolence — an example that continues to inspire Iranian athletes.”

General Vahedi emphasized that sports can serve as a bridge for peace and cultural exchange among nations, noting: “CISM’s motto, Friendship Through Sport, reflects a universal message — one that can pave the way toward a world free of war and violence. Sporting events among military forces can foster dialogue, understanding, and constructive engagement on the international stage.”

 

He also pointed to the human cost of global conflicts, stating: “If powerful tools like sport were truly used to build understanding among nations, we would not be witnessing genocide in Gaza or aggression against nations striving for respect and international law.”

 

Concluding his remarks, Vahedi expressed hope that the participating athletes would carry back with them “the message of peace and friendship from the great nation of Iran.”

 

The 4th World Military Archery Championship (CISM 2025) received strong international participation and ended with Iran standing proudly atop the world podium — a commanding performance on home soil.