Egypt gets international praise for its exceptional organisation and competitive spirit as it hosted the 25th World Military Equestrian Championship in the New Administrative Capital.
The championship, held under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, brought together skilled equestrian athletes from 20 nations at the Kian City Equestrian Club.
The championship culminated in a thrilling final day that saw Emirati rider Saeed Al-Mazmi clinch the top individual spot, followed by Russian rider Anastasia while Egyptian rider Ismail Al-Barai securing third places.
The overall individual standings, reflecting consistent performance throughout the championship, recognised Romanian rider Estuchia Elena with the gold medal, Italian rider Filippo Martini with silver, and Emirati rider Saeed Al Mazmi with the bronze.
In the highly anticipated team competition, the Italian contingent emerged victorious, while the host nation, Egypt, secured a commendable second-place finish, with the Qatari team rounding out the top three.
The closing ceremony served as a platform to celebrate athletic achievements and foster international goodwill, with Qatar receiving the prestigious “Friendship Through Sports” award. Staff of Major General Mohamed Azzazy El-Assal, Head of the Armed Forces Sports Authority and the Egyptian Delegation to the International Military Sports Council (CISM), underscored the unifying power of sports and announced a significant milestone: the designation of the New Administrative Capital as an equine disease-free zone, positioning Egypt as a prime destination for future major equestrian events.
Colonel Nilton Gomez, President of CISM, lauded the championship’s impeccable standards and its vital role in strengthening diplomatic ties through military sports.
The ceremony also included the symbolic handover of the CISM flag to Ecuador, the future host of the 26th edition, signifying the continuation of this esteemed international competition.
Beyond the competitive arena, Egypt extended its renowned hospitality through cultural excursions to prominent historical sites, allowing participating delegations to immerse themselves in the nation’s rich heritage.
This gesture was met with enthusiastic appreciation, with delegates commending the warm welcome and the seamless organisation orchestrated by the Egyptian Armed Forces, which contributed to a truly exceptional championship experience.
Insights shared with the Egyptian Mail newspaper further illuminated the positive impact of the event. Russian rider Anastasia Shcherbakova, a seasoned international competitor, lauded the exceptional facilities of the Kian City Equestrian Club and the favorable Egyptian climate, expressing gratitude for the high level of organisation under President El Sisi’s leadership.
Heads of delegations, including Francisco Adeljo of Spain and Captain Saif Eddine Al-Kamzi of Tunisia, echoed these sentiments, praising the world-class facilities and the unifying spirit of the competition, with aspirations for future collaborative training initiatives.
Sergeant-Major Badr Adel Al-Tafah of Saudi Arabia, a first-time participant, highlighted the challenging yet rewarding nature of the tournament and expressed optimism for future equestrian co-operation with Egypt, recognising its impressive capabilities in the field.
The resounding message emanating from the championship was the profound importance of military sports as a catalyst for international dialogue, cultural exchange, and the forging of enduring friendships among nations.
