Indian Army to Host First International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026

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 the Eastern Himalayas. The event aims to strengthen military cooperation and test soldiers’ endurance and operational capabilities in demanding terrain.

According to the Ministry of Defence, IMACC 2026 will bring together military teams from India and friendly foreign nations for a week-long series of adventure and endurance-based competitions.

Participating Countries and Forces

Teams from seven friendly foreign countries will participate:

• Bhutan
• Brazil
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Nepal
• Sri Lanka
• Saudi Arabia

Indian participants include teams from:

• Indian Army
• Indian Air Force
• Indian Coast Guard
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

Objectives of IMACC 2026

The competition is designed to test:

• Physical fitness
• Mental resilience
• Teamwork
• Leadership
• Decision-making under pressure

Events will be conducted in challenging mountain terrain, simulating real operational conditions faced by armed forces.

Global Military Sports Cooperation

International military sports events promote trust, cooperation, and camaraderie among armed forces under the banner of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), guided by the motto “Friendship through Sport.”

India has actively participated in CISM activities and previously hosted the 4th CISM Military World Games in 2007.

Significance

• Enhances defence diplomacy
• Promotes interoperability among friendly nations
• Strengthens India’s role in global military cooperation
• Encourages physical and mental excellence among soldiers

IMACC 2026 marks a significant step in combining military readiness with international sporting collaboration.