Military Championships in Naval Pentathlon to be held in Upinniemi

This year, the Open Regional Military Championships in Naval Pentathlon will take place in Finland, in the Upinniemi garrison on 23-28 June. The event has also international participants. The local organiser is the Coastal Brigade. The umbrella organization of military sports, International Military Sports Council (CISM), coordinates the organisation of championships and makes sure the rules are being followed.

In addition to this year's host Finland, there are teams from Spain, Türkiye and Sweden competing in the event. The total number of participants, both men and women, is almost 40. The Open Regional Military Championships will include individual races for both men and women as well as team races.

The five events in naval pentathlon are obstacle race, life saving swimming race, seamanship race, utility swimming race and amphibious cross-country race. The amphibious cross-country race has three parts: shooting, paddling and grenade throwing. The races will take place on the naval pentathlon track, the pool and the seashore.

The leader of the event, Captain (N) Johan Tillander from the Coastal Brigade will declare the championships open on 25 June. Invited guests and media are welcome to watch the obstacle race.

In 2020, Finland was preparing to host the World Military Championship in Naval Pentathlon, but the event had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Last year, the World Championship was held in Germany. Finland came third in the team competition. This year's World Military Championship in Naval Pentathlon will be hosted by China in October.