The second International PACES (Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System) Competition commenced on Tuesday at Lahore’s Fortress stadium.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), there are 16 domestic teams of the Pakistan Army and 17 international teams from 11 countries including Bahrain, China, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, South Africa, UAE and UK participating in the competition.

Moreover, contingents from seven countries including Egypt, Italy, Myanmar, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan are going to observe the competition.

Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa was the chief guest of the competition’s opening ceremony.

Welcoming the participants of the competition, Gen Bajwa highlighted the significance of physical fitness in “undertaking the challenges and hardships associated with soldiering.”

He said that the competition demands a high level of combat skill to meet the challenges of modern-day warfare.

The competition will continue till October 15.