The Indian Army will host the first-ever International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The event will bring together military teams from India and several friendly foreign countries for a week of adventure and endurance competitions. It is designed to test soldierly qualities such as physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure.
Participating Teams
- Teams from Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia will participate.
- Indian teams will come from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
- The event will mark a multinational military sporting engagement in a high-altitude environment.
Event Features
- IMACC 2026 will include terrain-based challenges in tough mountain conditions.
- The competitions are intended to reflect operational realities faced by soldiers.
- The format will combine endurance, navigation, teamwork and leadership tasks.
Significance for Defence Cooperation
- The event is part of wider military sports diplomacy.
- Such competitions help build trust and cooperation among armed forces.
- They also promote interoperability and mutual understanding between participating countries.
India and CISM Tradition
- International military sports are guided by the International Military Sports Council (CISM).
- CISM operates with the motto Friendship through Sport.
- India has been an active participant in CISM events and hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007.