Dibrugarh, February 15, 2026: The foothills of the Eastern Himalayas are set to host elite soldiers from across the globe as the International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 officially begins in Assam.
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| International military contingents gather at Dibrugarh Airport for the International Military Adventure Challenge Cup (IMACC) 2026 in Assam. (Image: x.com/CMOfficeAssam) |
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his best wishes to the participating international contingents, marking the start of the high-intensity multinational military event.
Upon arrival in Dibrugarh, teams from India, Brazil, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka were accorded a ceremonial welcome that combined military protocol with traditional Assamese hospitality. The reception marked the beginning of their acclimatisation ahead of the demanding high-altitude competition.
According to the Chief Minister’s office, IMACC 2026 aims to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, leadership and teamwork through challenging adventure-based military tasks in rugged terrain.
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The competition will see soldiers navigating difficult mountainous terrain, undertaking physically and mentally demanding tasks designed to test endurance, tactical skills and resilience.
Participating nations include Brazil from South America; Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan from Central Asia; India, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka from South Asia; and Saudi Arabia from the Middle East.
Beyond competition, IMACC 2026 serves as a platform for strategic defence diplomacy. The event seeks to promote interoperability among friendly nations, share best practices in high-altitude warfare and survival, and strengthen leadership under extreme conditions.
As the challenge unfolds in the Eastern Himalayas, the event also highlights Assam’s growing prominence as a venue for international defence and adventure events, reinforcing its strategic and sporting significance.
