15th July 2021 15:30:33 Hours
Regimental preparations to select the best physically sound teams of the Army for participation in the forthcoming International Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) competition (2020/21) are now underway on the guidelines given by Directorate of Training and Directorate of Sports at the Army Headquarters at Panagoda Army Physical Training School (APTS) and Panaluwa firing range.
The Inter Regiment PACES competitions that began on Monday (12) at APTS Panagoda and Panaluwa Field Firing Range with the participation of 18 Regimental teams will continue till 18 July 2021 where competitions, inclusive of , Pull Ups ,30 minute Sit ups, 30 minute Push-ups, 3.2 km Run, Combat Efficiency Test (CET) including few events and firing are held.
The competition either with teams or on individual basis also improves capacity for future multi-dimensional battlefield environments that are generally essential for a soldier while improving physical standards of military personnel which in turn help them in enhancing their strength, ability and coordination between the mind and the body.
The PACES, designed by the Pakistan Army every year hosts the PACES competition and invites Sri Lanka and other friendly countries to participate in the event. The first PACES was held in Lahore in October 2016 with the participation of 14 countries including Sri Lanka. The second was held in October 2018 in Lahore with participants from 10 countries. Sri Lanka’s PACES team has so far won 36 Gold and 22 Silver medals. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the PACES - 2020 had to be postponed and the 3rd PACES competition is scheduled to be held in October 2021. Sri Lanka Army has confirmed its participation in the forthcoming PACES - 2021 in October.
