The 5th CISM Military World Winter Games kicks off in Lucerne, Switzerland, on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Mu Ruilin)

BEIJING, Mar. 26 -- The 5th International Military Sports Council (CISM) Military World Winter Games kicked off in Lucerne, Switzerland, on March 24, 2025. More than 1,000 military athletes from 43 countries will compete for trophies during the following week.

The Chinese military athletes will take part in 28 events in 7 sports, including biathlon, patrol race, cross-country ski, ski-mountaineering, ski-orienteering, cross-country running, and climbing, with an aim to hone their professional skills, learn from other countries' athletes, enhance mutual understanding and promote friendship through the international military sports platform.

On the opening day, the Chinese military athletes participated in the difficulty climbing qualification competition, with Li Renjie and Wang Man advancing to the semifinals of the men's and women's groups respectively.

The Chinese military athletes walk into the stadium. (Photo by Mu Ruilin)

The Chinese military athlete Li Renjie is participating in the difficulty climbing competition. (Photo by Mu Ruilin)

The Chinese military athlete Wang Man is participating in the difficulty climbing competition. (Photo by Mu Ruilin)