Major General Paul Otieno, Commander of the Kenya Navy, on 27 June 2025 represented Honorable Salim Mvuria, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, at the closing ceremony of the 16th CISM World Military Golf Championship held in Diani Kenya.
Athletes, officers, and dignitaries from participating nations gathered to celebrate not only the competition but also the camaraderie fostered throughout the event. After four intensely contested rounds and 72 holes of golf, it was time to recognize outstanding performances.
In his address, Major General Otieno congratulated all participating teams and expressed gratitude to CISM for entrusting Kenya with the honor of hosting the championship.
“This is more than a sporting event. It is a powerful show of cooperation. Kenya is proud to have received and hosted you in a spirited sporting event. We’re all winners through participation and comradeship,” he stated.
He also highlighted the benefits that the County of Kwale has experienced from hosting the championships. The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) undertook several civil military cooperation projects, including renovations at Nnguri Primary School and Ukunda Secondary School. Additionally, a free medical camp benefited many residents of Diani, showcasing the economic boost the region received from the championship.
“Sports can be a bridge for transformation,” he emphasized.
Major General Erick Kinuthia, patron of the Kenya Defence Forces Golf Association (KDFGA), expressed appreciation to each team for their participation and commended all delegations for their sportsmanship. He also thanked CISM for the opportunity to host this year’s championship.
Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, the Official CISM Representative (OCR), termed the championship a success and thanked the KDF and the Local Organizing Committee for their commitment. He acknowledged the warm hospitality and serene environment provided by Kenya, which contributed to the event’s success.
Awards were presented to golfers who showcased exceptional skills, recognizing their dedication to the game. Notably, First Lieutenant Artis Lusis of Latvia made history by achieving the 8th hole-in-one in CISM history, an accomplishment celebrated by Major Cameron Lowdon, CISM Golf President a fellow hole-in-one recipient. Additionally, Heidi V Berg of South Africa stunned the crowd by scoring the first-ever Albatross in CISM’s records.
The “Friendship Through Sport” award, voted by all participating delegations, was awarded to Team Kenya for exemplifying unity and camaraderie. The Don Keus Award for Excellence, recognizing the country with the best overall performance, went to Team France.
Individual medallists were celebrated during the ceremony too. In the Women’s Seniors category, Lieutenant Colonel H. V Berg of South Africa took gold, with Lieutenant Colonel Asiime Evarlyne of Uganda earning silver and Warrant Officer C. P Masukume of Zimbabwe claiming bronze. In the Individual Women category, Private Evangeline Prevot and Private Pauline Stein, both from France, took gold and silver respectively, while Private Sonia Akter of Bangladesh secured bronze.
In the Women’s Team category, France again dominated, winning gold, while Bangladesh earned silver and Tanzania took bronze. In the Senior Men’s category, Lieutenant Colonel Varoon Parmar of India maintained his lead to win gold, followed by Major G. D Worth of South Africa with silver and Petty Officer Fredric Alba of France with bronze.
In the Individual Men category, Petty Officer Akash Kumar from India won gold, with Sergeant Major Khalifa Mohamed of Bahrain taking silver and First Sergeant Crocker Niclas of Germany claiming bronze. Team France emerged victorious in the Men’s Team category, with Bahrain and South Africa taking silver and bronze respectively.
Major General Erick Kinuthia was conferred with the Grand Knight of CISM Award for his efforts in elevating Kenya’s prominence in CISM golf, fostering youth talent, and championing CISM values globally.
The championship concluded with the symbolic handover of the CISM flag to Major Lowdon, the CISM Golf President. This prestigious annual event brings together military golfers from around the globe to compete in both individual and team categories.
The ceremony culminated in a cultural dinner, showcasing traditional music and performances, fostering friendship beyond competition which is in line with true CISM tradition.
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