The Pakistan Army has achieved a major international milestone after winning the prestigious International Pace Sticking Competition 2026 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) team delivered an outstanding performance and secured first place overall in the annual competition, which attracted military teams from around the world.
The Pakistani contingent claimed the 1st Overall Team Trophy and also won the Best Pace Sticker and Best Driver awards, completing a clean sweep of the competition’s top honours.
The nine-member team represented Pakistan Army under the leadership of Major Haider Gulzar, Adjutant of PMA. The contingent arrived in the United Kingdom on June 5 to prepare for the event.
A total of 16 teams from different armies participated in the competition, making the victory one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at an international military skills event in recent years.
The ISPR said the success reflects the high standards of professional training, discipline and excellence maintained by the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
What Is Pace Sticking?
Pace sticking is a ceremonial military discipline that originated in the British Army and remains an important part of drill traditions at military academies across the Commonwealth.
The pace stick itself is a hinged instrument traditionally used by drill instructors to measure the length of a soldier’s pace during marching exercises.
Over time, pace sticking evolved into a highly skilled display of precision drill, leadership and coordination. Competitions test participants on marching accuracy, discipline, command presence and the ability to perform complex drill movements under strict judging criteria.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst hosts the annual competition, attracting military academies and training institutions from several countries.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading military training institutions, Sandhurst has trained generations of military officers from across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East.
Pakistan maintains a long-standing relationship with the academy. Many senior Pakistani military officers have attended professional courses there over the years.
Recognition for Professional Excellence
Military observers view the latest victory as another example of Pakistan Army’s strong performance in international military competitions.
Pakistani teams have previously earned recognition in events related to military drills, marksmanship, physical endurance and professional military skills.
Winning all major categories at Sandhurst carries particular significance because the competition focuses on discipline, ceremonial excellence and leadership, qualities considered fundamental in officer training.
The achievement comes at a time when military-to-military engagement and professional exchanges continue to play an important role in strengthening international defence cooperation.
For the Pakistan Military Academy team, the victory represents months of preparation and rigorous training. It also places Pakistan at the top of a competition that featured some of the world’s most respected military institutions.
