PMA contingent sweeps top honours in Pace Sticking event at Sandhurst, showcasing precision and discipline on global stage.
The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) team has secured first position and made a clean sweep of major awards at the International Pace Sticking Competition 2026, held at the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the nine-member Pakistani contingent outperformed teams from 16 nations, winning the Overall Team Trophy along with the individual titles for Best Pace Sticker and Best Driver.
Led by Major Haider Gulzar, the team demonstrated exceptional synchronisation, precision marching, and military bearing during the high-stakes drill competition, which tests teams on maintaining exact 30-inch strides, sharp turns, and flawless teamwork under the scrutiny of international judges.
PMA Shines at Sandhurst Drill Competition:
Pace sticking, a traditional military drill involving the use of pace sticks to ensure uniform marching steps, is a hallmark of discipline in Commonwealth and allied armed forces. The annual competition at Sandhurst brings together elite units from Britain and international militaries to compete in one of the most exacting tests of ceremonial drill.
Pakistani officials and analysts hailed the victory as a testament to the rigorous training standards of the Pakistan Army and its long-standing tradition of excellence in international military forums. This marks another strong performance by PMA, following previous successes in similar events.
The ISPR statement described the achievement as “a remarkable display of excellence,” underscoring the professional ethos of Pakistan’s armed forces.
International Victory Brings Pride to Pakistan:
The win has drawn widespread congratulations across Pakistan, with political leaders, including the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, extending felicitations to the armed forces for bringing pride to the nation.
Military observers note that such victories enhance Pakistan’s soft power and reinforce its image as a disciplined and capable military force on the global stage. The event also fosters military-to-military ties between participating nations.
Pakistan’s consistent strong showings in international drill competitions reflect the emphasis placed on ceremonial precision as an integral part of military professionalism.