Elite Chinese troops meet fighters from India, Russia and others in spirit of competition, not war

Soldiers compete at Mount Elbrus in Russia for the International Army Games, testing their mettle mountain climbing, shooting, navigating and racing

11 PLA aircraft join 700 personnel for the games, which includes events hosted by China in Xinjiang province

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The Elbrus Ring competition is the most challenging contest during the International Army Games, a military competition between nations organised by Russia. The PLA has sent more than 700 soldiers to take part in 17 events at the games. Photo: Weibo

Published: 8:00am, 28 Aug 2021Updated: 11:00pm, 28 Aug 2021

Elite alpine divisions from China and India are gathering on a European snow-capped peak, but instead of fighting each other they are competing to take home medals from international military games.

The Elbrus Ring competition is the longest and most challenging contest of the International Army Games 2021 (IAG-2021) organised by Russia. More than 5,000 troops in 277 teams from 42 countries will compete in 34 events.

Teams of military climbers from Russia, China, India and six other countries from Asia and Europe kicked off 14 days of fierce races on August 22 at the Terskol Mountain Training and Survival Centre in the Elbrus region, according to the Russian Defence Ministry.

More than 5,000 troops in 277 teams from 42 countries will compete in 34 events at the International Army Games. Photo: Weibo

The event is held at Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. Military participants have to perform at least 11 tasks at altitudes of 2,356-5,642 metres.

They need to complete a total distance of about 116km (72 miles) while competing in artificial terrain climbing, a mountain obstacle course, group shooting, mountain area navigation, helicopter airborne assault with a speed march, passing a glacial area, climbing to the top of Elbrus and other races.

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