World’s militaries converge in China for October games

WUHAN – Thousands of soldiers from different military forces around the globe are scheduled to troop to China in October to compete in this year’s 7th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Games.

And with less than a hundred days to go before the games, this city of a hundred lakes in Hubei province is more than ready to play host to the grand event.

With the theme “Military Glory World Peace,” all eyes will be on China as 105 CISM member-countries join some 25 official and two demonstrative sports competitions.

This year’s event will feature routine Olympic events as well as five military sports that include aeronautical pentathlon, military pentathlon, naval pentathlon, orienteering and parachuting.

Officials of the 7th CISM Military World Games executive committee led by Zhang Shishua welcomed journalists from different media outfits in Wuhan Friday night, revealing how preparations for October’s activities are now almost complete.

“The event scale is only second to the Olympic Games. Now, the construction of event venues and Athletes’ Village has been completed. We have full determination and confidence that we will present the world with an extraordinary international sport event,” he said.

Zhang said Wuhan’s hosting of the world military games is also “a great opportunity” for the city to showcase its beauty, wonderful tourist attractions and its people.