Indian Army to Host IMACC 2026

The Indian Army will host the inaugural International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 from February 18 to 23 in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas. The Ministry of Defence stated that the event will bring together military teams from India and friendly foreign nations for a week-long series of rigorous adventure and endurance competitions.

IMACC 2026 is designed to test the core attributes of soldiers, including physical fitness, mental resilience, teamwork, leadership and decision-making under pressure, in demanding mountain terrain conditions.

Participating Nations and Forces

Military teams from seven friendly countries — Bhutan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia — will participate in the competition. Indian representation will include teams from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).

The multinational participation underscores India’s growing defence engagement and military diplomacy with partner nations.

Challenging Mountain-Based Competitions

The competition will feature terrain-based challenges in tough mountain environments, simulating real operational conditions faced by armed forces. Events will focus on endurance, navigation, obstacle crossing, survival skills and coordinated team manoeuvres.

By replicating field realities, IMACC aims to enhance operational preparedness and promote best practices in adventure-based military training.

Military Sports and Global Cooperation

International military sports events have historically served as platforms for fostering camaraderie and mutual trust among armed forces. These initiatives are often conducted under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), which operates under the motto “Friendship through Sport”.

India has been an active participant in CISM activities and previously hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007, strengthening its profile in global military sporting events.

Important Facts for Exams

• IMACC 2026 will be held from 18–23 February in the Eastern Himalayas.
• Seven foreign countries will participate alongside Indian armed forces and ITBP.
• CISM stands for International Military Sports Council, guided by “Friendship through Sport”.
• India hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007.

Strategic Significance

The hosting of IMACC 2026 highlights India’s emphasis on defence cooperation and confidence-building through military sports diplomacy. By combining operational realism with international participation, the event is expected to strengthen interoperability, enhance goodwill and project India’s capability in organising high-altitude military competitions.