CISM 2025: Nigeria Shines At Global Military Sports Science Event In UAE

CISM 2025: Nigeria Shines At Global Military Sports Science Event In UAE

By Niyi Busari 

 A delegation from Nigeria participated successfully in the 2025 International Military Sports Council (CISM) Scientific Symposium, one of the most prestigious global events in military sports and defence research. 

The delegation, led by Air Vice Marshal Nanju Kenneth Khumzi, departed Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Sunday ahead of the symposium’s official opening on Monday, October 20.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, the three-day symposium marks the first time the event is being hosted in the Middle East.

The theme for the 2025 edition, "Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future," brings together more than 130 delegates from 35 CISM member states, including senior military officials, academics, researchers, and sports science experts.

Representing Nigeria on the global stage, Lieutenant Colonel Okou Femedein Timipre, Executive Secretary of the Defence Headquarters Military Sports Council (CISM Nigeria), is scheduled to present a scientific paper on behalf of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. The presentation is expected to highlight the country's contributions to global peace and military resilience through sport and science.

Other members of the Nigerian delegation include Major General Abdullahi Maikano, Vice President of CISM and President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA); Lieutenant Commander Obinna Patrick Okonkwo; and Sergeant Emmanuel.

Air Vice Marshal Khumzi expressed satisfaction in Nigeria’s participation, stating that the country contributed meaningfully to discussions on enhancing global military preparedness and collaboration through research and physical development initiatives.

The symposium is taking place at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi from October 20 to 22, featuring over 43 expert speakers who will present research on topics including performance optimization, resilience training, and future challenges facing modern armed forces.

As the second-largest event on the CISM calendar after the Military World Games, the symposium serves as a strategic platform for strengthening defence diplomacy, knowledge-sharing, and international cooperation in military sports.

Key figures in attendance include CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho; Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia; CISM Vice President for Asia Major General Rashid Al Dosari; and UAE Chief of Delegation Brigadier General S. Ayoob Al Falasi, among other global defence leaders and diplomatic representatives.

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the event, Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to advancing international military cooperation through sports and scientific exchange.

The hosting of the symposium is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to position itself as a leading global hub for major international events. The country won the bid to host the 2025 symposium during the CISM General Assembly in Moscow in 2023.

Since its inception in 1948, CISM has played a vital role in fostering global peace and mutual understanding through military sport. Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence has been an active supporter of the council’s mission, advocating for scientific advancement and excellence in military readiness.

This year’s symposium not only reinforces Nigeria’s role in global defence dialogue but also highlights the strategic importance of sports science in shaping the future of modern armed forces.