The Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) or the International Council for Military Sports was founded on 18 February 1948 in France, with the aim of promoting Friendship Through Sport. While the founding nations, Belgium, France, Denmark, Luxembourg and Netherlands were all European countries the vision of the CISM was global.
The CISM currently enjoys the membership of the Armed Forces of 127 member nations, of which 38 are European countries, 45 African, 26 Asian and 26 countries from the Americas. It is the second largest international sporting body after the International Olympic Council. The CISM Games in their present format were revived and started in 1995, also marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and ratification of the UN Charter. India became a member of the CISM during the second Games in 1999.
The CISM Military World Games are held every four years, a year prior to the Olympics. The past performance of sportspersons participating in the Military Games can be gauged from the fact that twenty five percent of them have gone on to win Olympic Medals in the year after the Military Games.
The first Games were held at Rome in 1995, the second at Zagreb, Croatia in 1999 and the third Games at Catania, Italy in 2003. This is the first time that the Games are being held outside Europe, and the decision to do so is in large part a sign of the growing confidence in the Indian Military establishment, as also an outcome of the superb, international standard stadia available at Hyderabad, which were readied for the Afro-Asian Games held here in 2003.
The ideals and principles of the CISM are enumerated in the Mission Statement adopted on it 50th anniversary, during the General Assembly at Baden, Austria in 1998. Formally recognised by the UN and the IOC, the CISM is an apolitical organisation and adheres to the principle that ”all human beings are born free and equal, in dignity and in rights”, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
CISM officially condemns all forms of discrimination towards a nation or its peoples, on the basis of race, religion or political belief. It upholds democratic principles in its functioning. One nation represents one vote in the General Assembly of Nations with a majority vote formulating the rule of law.
The first three Games enjoyed participation of 93, 82 and 87 nations respectively, in 17, 20 and 11 disciplines respectively. This year 71 countries have confirmed participation so far. A total of 16 events, including two demonstration sports (Hockey & Kabaddi) and the exhibition game of Polo will take place. Two events - Sailing and Triathlon will be held at Mumbai.
4th CISM Military World Games, Hyderabad, Mumbai, INDIA