The 2019 Military World Games, celebrated by participants from across the 
world, have further strengthened the belief in and forces for peace. The 
blazing flame of the 7th Military World Games has gone out. According to the 
Executive Committee of the 7th CISM Military World Games, nearly 10,000 
military athletes from all over the world gathered in Wuhan, the "city of 
rivers and lakes," to promote peace and seek glory. They competed fairly and 
strove hard on the field, while making friends and encouraging each other off 
the field.

The event let the "sunshine of sports" to dispel the shadow of war, foster 
communications between different cultures and bring together people's hearts 
for peace. As a transport hub, Wuhan impressed the world with Chinese 
characteristics. Athletes across the globe displayed the military glory with 
utmost efforts. The wonderful Games have created a chapter of sharing 
friendship and building peace together.

A new chapter for Military World Games

Peace and cooperation are the theme highlighted during the Games.

The "spectacular, stunning and thrilling" opening ceremony "Torch of Peace"  
allowed more people to learn that the Chinese people, who have suffered from 
war, have a long-lasting pursuit of peace and a deep desire for it. 

"Wu", the Chinese character for "military", is made of two other characters - 
"Zhi" meaning "end" and "Ge" meaning "spear." As early as 2,000 years ago, the 
Jingchu region, where Wuhan lies, put forward the ancient Chinese philosophy 
that the military is employed to stop the use of arms. The World Military Games 
was initiated to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the victory of World War 
II, and the fact that China is the main battlefield against fascism in the 
east. The Games were held in China for the first time, reflecting China's 
contribution to the peace process on the world stage, said Herve Piccirillo, 
president of the International Military Sports Council (CISM)."

Since its successful bid to host the Games in May 2015, the Chinese government 
and military have adhered to the principle of hosting "green, inclusive, open 
and clean" Games. With the integration of a global perspective and Chinese 
characteristics, all the preparatory work had been completed to a high 
standard. 

Global athletes gathered to share military glory in Wuhan. Nearly 10,000 
athletes from 109 countries participated in the Games made up of 27 major 
sports and 329 events. Competitions, accommodations and receptions were 
organized by standards comparable to the those for the Olympic Games, setting 
up a broader platform for athletes from all countries to share friendship and 
build peace together. 

For the first time in the CISM Military World Games history, the Games were 
open to the public, instead of being confined to the military bases. It was the 
first Games to feature a newly-built athletes' village. Also, it was the first 
time that all competitions have been held within one city, and the first time 
that all-round volunteer services were offered to all delegations. The Games is 
the largest of its kind, comparable to any world-class sporting event, said 
Piccirillo, adding that the Wuhan Games would make the world aware of the 
importance of sports for military preparations, peacekeeping operations and 
global military exchanges. 

The Wuhan Games left a distinct Chinese mark in the history of the Military 
World Games, which also made Wuhan, an important city in central China, full of 
passion to accelerate its pace towards becoming an international metropolis. 

After the opening ceremony, more than 50,000 spectators and more than 10,000 
cast members left the venue in an orderly manner, while almost all the rubbish 
was taken away from the venue. A total of 26,000 volunteers were recruited, 
while the number of applicants exceeded 90,000. Many of the games were packed 
to capacity with tickets sold out. The cheers from the crowd showed the city's 
hospitality. 

Building up peace forces 

Roberto Punzo, an Italian soldier who attended the archery competition sitting 
in a wheelchair, received the best of applause and respect from the local 
spectators all through his contest. 

In 2006, he was on a peacekeeping mission when he was hit by an explosion. The 
injury left the former pilot permanently unable to walk. In the darkest moments 
of Punzo's life, it was sport that inspired him to lift his spirits and regain 
his confidence. 

Soldiers are not there to bring war, but to keep the peace of all mankind, said 
the 55-year-old. "I've been wounded in war, and I long for peace more than 
anyone else." 

The Military World Games was initiated to commemorate peace and spread 
friendship. It has become an important platform for military forces of various 
countries to display their images, enhance friendship, and expand influence. 

In the athletes' stands of the Games, athletes from different countries may not 
have known each other, but they could look at each other, laugh and clap their 
hands just minutes later. Sportsmanship is a universal language that doesn't 
require translation. The wall of peace and friendship in the Games village was 
full of good wishes for world peace, love for China and friendship in various 
languages. 

During the Games, the mayors of Wuhan's 15 sister cities around the world sent 
letters to cheer for the Games and applaud for peace. 

"As a former soldier and Olympic champion, I'm aware of what this event means 
for a city and what kind of message it sends to the sports world and the 
athletes," said Zsolt Borkai, mayor of Gyor, Hungary. 

Over the past 40 years, Wuhan has formed sister cities with more than 110 
cities in over 50 countries. This "circle of friends," which spans five 
continents, is a microcosm of China's adherence to peaceful development and 
expanding friendship. 

Global peace will be achieved when a common philosophy is pursued. The world 
will prosper as long as peace prevails. 

This splendid, extraordinary, and remarkable military sports event showed the 
new look of the people's armed forces as they strengthen their armed forces. It 
also revealed the great momentum of the Chinese nation toward national 
rejuvenation, and conveyed the firm belief that China and people around the 
world are working together to build a community with a shared future for 
mankind. 


SOURCE: The Executive Committee of the 7th CISM Military World Games

Image Attachments Links:

   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=349119

   Caption: The 2019 Military World Games