In the Moscow region, within the Patriotic Military-Patriotic Cultural Park and Recreation Park of the Patriot Armed Forces of Russia, the International Army Games 2022 gathered a diverse international contingent for a pivotal opening ceremony. The event marked the first assembly of the Main Referee Commission, a key body responsible for upholding fairness and smooth operation across the competition. Delegates from 21 countries attended, underscoring the Games’ growing international footprint and the shared commitment to high standards of sport and teamwork among armed forces from around the world.
The primary duties at the meeting included confirming the lineup of the jury, approving the test procedures, and issuing participant certificates. The chief referee of the Army Games 2022 laid out the practical guidelines that would govern judging across all disciplines. He emphasized the need for judges to maintain objectivity and impartiality, noting that fair evaluation is essential for the competition’s credibility and for honoring the hard work of every participant.
In a transparent, open voting process, the Deputy Chief Referee position was filled. This year the delegation from the Republic of Kazakhstan nominated Major General Adilbek Aldabergenov for the role. The decision reflected a commitment to broad regional representation at the leadership level, reinforcing the inclusive spirit of the event and the collaboration among participating nations.
Following the formal deliberations, a solemn ceremony took place at the International Museum of Army Games. There, Colonel General Alexander Lentsov presented the victorious sequence of endorsements to the judges: certificates confirming their authority, official badges, and referee armbands. The presentation symbolized the official start of the judges’ operational duties and recognized their responsibility to uphold competition rules and integrity on every field of play.
As the meeting progressed, performances by creative teams from the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo provided a cultural backdrop to the event. The artistic contributions highlighted the human side of the Games, celebrating teamwork, discipline, and the shared joy of sport that unites participants beyond national borders. The blend of formal proceedings and cultural displays reflected the Games’ broader mission: to showcase military camaraderie, international exchange, and the highest standards of fair play on a global stage.