CISM

The Organization Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) was founded on the 18th February 1948 in Nice, France, by five countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. With 135 member states today, it has become the third biggest sport association in the world (behind IOC and FIFA) .
An objective of the association is to encourage the broad-based development of military sports and promote friendly relations between armed forces and between member states. It supports athletes from less privileged countries in the fields of sport and advocates the progressive and harmonious development of young people. In particular, the CISM organization wishes to contribute to the global efforts for peace in general.
The CISM motto is:
«FRIENDSHIP THROUGH SPORT»
CISM organises annual World Championships that include twenty-six different sports. The summer - and winter Military World Games in many of these sports are organised every four years.
Military sports
Aeronautical, naval and military pentathlon, shooting and parachuting
Individual sports
Athletics (incl. cross-country), cycling, equestrian, swimming (incl. lifesaving), orienteering, modern pentathlon, skiing (nordic and alpine), tennis, triathlon and sailing
Combat sports
Boxing, fencing, judo, wrestling and taekwondo
Team sports
Basketball, football, handball, ice hockey and volleyball
Other sports
Regional competitions in rowing, canoeing/kayaking, climbing and golfing
Organization CISM Switzerland
Switzerland has been a CISM member since 1968. From the variety of CISM sports, Switzerland has decided to participate in a selection of military and combat disciplines, based on their military importance.
Determining factors in this choice were: Sport and solidarity are two basic pillars of all CISM events. Sporting encounters between the armed forces of different countries are intended to foster friendship and lead to better understanding between nations. Sport has also become an important stabilising tool in conflict regions.
Based on these ideas, participation has been decided on in the following CISM sports/disciplines:
Disciplines / Contact CISM Switzerland
conditions of participation

By participating in the CISM championships, the Swiss delegation consolidates and enhances the prestige of the Swiss Armed Forces in Switzerland and abroad. Competing athletes achieve top performances under the best possible conditions.
The principle that ‘taking part is more important than winning’ is certainly valid for both international military sports and the CISM organisation. However, for some nations, including Switzerland, sending participants only makes sense in those sports in which the prospects of success are reasonably good.
Athletes whose sports are in the CISM championship program prepare for the CISM World Championships, and are selected based on their achievements in the relevant year.
Only athletes who meet the following requirements are eligible to participate:
They must:
- be members of the armed forces
- be members of the national team of the relevant civilian association
- meet the selection criteria specified by the CISM head of discipline.
CISM WC in Switzerland
Year |
Sport |
Place |
Nations |
2018 2016 |
Shooting Judo |
Thun Uster |
27 |
2014 |
Swimming & Lifesaving |
Tenero |
17 |
2012 |
Triathlon |
Lausanne |
18 |
2010 |
Parachuting |
Buochs |
37 |
2008 |
Cross-Country |
Thun |
25 |
2006 |
Skiing Nordic |
Andermatt |
19 |
2005 |
Shooting |
Thun |
43 |
2002 |
Marathon |
Biel |
15 |
2002 |
Fencing |
Avenches/Murten |
18 |
2000 |
Modern pentathlon |
Aarau |
15 |
1998 |
Orienteering |
Bière |
30 |
1995 |
Skiing Nordic |
Andermatt |
19 |
1994 |
Shooting |
Lausanne/Chamblon |
34 |
1992 |
Modern pentathlon |
Bremgarten |
21 |
1990 |
Fencing |
Bern |
13 |
1987 |
Modern pentathlon |
Brugg |
9 |
1986 |
Orienteering |
Chur |
14 |
1985 |
Skiing Nordic |
Andermatt |
10 |
1984 |
Shooting |
Liestal |
26 |
1983 |
Parachuting |
Frauenfeld |
22 |
1982 |
Fencing |
Magglingen |
13 |
1981 |
Military pentathlon |
Bremgarten |
13 |
1980 |
Modern pentathlon |
Brugg |
9 |
1979 |
Skiing Nordic |
Andermatt |
8 |
1977 |
Orienteering |
Brugg |
13 |
1976 |
Shooting |
Thun |
12 |
1975 |
Skiing |
Andermatt |
12 |
1971 |
Shooting |
Thun |
18 |
1971 |
Modern pentathlon |
Thun/Bern |
11 |
1969 |
Orienteering |
Colombier |
8 |

CH-2532 Magglingen
- Tel.
- +41 58 467 63 16
- Fax
- +41 58 467 64 33
Head of CISM Switzerland
Mister Christian Hess
CISM Switzerland
Hauptstrasse 247
CH-2532 Magglingen