Indian Army to host International Military Adventure Challenge Cup
The Indian Army will host the first-ever International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from 18 to 23 February 2026 in the foothills of Eastern Himalayas. The event will bring together military teams from India and friendly foreign countries for a week-long series of challenging adventure and endurance competitions.
Teams from seven friendly foreign countries namely Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia along with teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will take part in IMACC 2026. IMACC 2026 is designed to test the essential qualities of a soldier, including physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure.
The competition will feature terrain-based challenges conducted in tough mountain conditions, closely reflecting the realities faced by soldiers during operations. International military sports have long played an important role in building trust and cooperation among armed forces worldwide under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), guided by the motto “Friendship through Sport.” India has been an active participant in this global tradition and had earlier hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007, one of the largest military sporting events in the world.
The launch of IMACC marks a new and innovative step in this tradition. Unlike conventional stadium sports, IMACC focuses on adventure, endurance and field skills, making it especially relevant to modern military training. Beyond competition, IMACC 2026 will promote defence cooperation, mutual respect and camaraderie among soldiers, while reinforcing the Indian Army’s emphasis on fitness, professionalism and international engagement. By hosting the inaugural edition of IMACC, the Indian Army continues to strengthen bonds with friendly nations and reaffirms the enduring spirit of friendship through sport.
