More than 50 soldiers from Armenia, Afghanistan, Brazil, India, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, China, Mongolia, Namibia, Oman, Ecuador, and Russia will climb Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Russia and Europe, the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The ascent will take place within the framework of "Climbing for Peace" under the auspices of the International Council of Military Sports (CISM).
The total length of the route is 12,500 meters, and the elevation gain is 3,442 meters. Participants will finish on the western top of Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 5642 meters.
"This significant event unites military athletes from 13 countries, and I am sure that our event will demonstrate the triumph of universal values of sport, equal opportunities and friendly atmosphere," said Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, Russian Deputy Defense Minister for Combat Training, at the opening ceremony.
According to Yevkurov, the popularity and attractiveness of such events will further promote interaction between states.