Venezuelan Military Games: Army Wins 5x5 Basketball, National Guard Takes 3x3 Women's Title

Maracay, Venezuela – The Academia Militar del Ejército Bolivariano and the Academia de la Guardia Nacional Bolivariana (GNB) emerged victorious in the basketball competitions at the XXXVII Inter-Academies Military Games, held at the Mauricio Johnson Gymnasium in Maracay, Aragua state. The Army secured the gold in the 5×5 format, whereas the National Guard triumphed in the women’s 3×3 event, according to reports from the Ministry of Popular Power for Sport.

The Army’s 5×5 team dominated throughout the tournament, entering the final undefeated after a string of decisive victories. They defeated the Academia Técnica de la Guardia 97-20, the Academia Técnica de la Armada 87-41, the Academia Técnica de la Aviación 90-20, the Academia Militar de la Aviación 77-56, and secured their place in the final with a 100-56 win over the Academia Técnica Militar de la Armada.

The Guardia Nacional also enjoyed a successful run to the final, overcoming the Academia Militar de la Aviación 89-60, the Academia Militar en Ciencias de la Salud 85-37, the Oficiales de Tropa 74-50, and Comunicaciones y Electrónica 72-55. They then defeated the Armada 74-62 in the semi-final to set up a showdown with the Army.

The gold medal game was closely contested in the early stages, with both teams tied at 8-8 after the first five minutes. The Army then pulled ahead, establishing a four-point lead to close the first quarter with a 22-18 advantage. The second quarter saw the Guardia Nacional tie the score at 27, but the Army responded with a strong defensive effort, regaining a seven-point lead at 39-32 and maintaining control for the remainder of the game.

Following the break, the Army extended their lead to 61-48 in the third quarter. The Guardia Nacional mounted a comeback in the final quarter, narrowing the gap to 61-67, but the Army ultimately prevailed, securing the victory with a final score of 78-71. This win further solidifies the Ejército Bolivariano’s dominance in the overall medal count at the 2026 Inter-Academies Military Games.

The Inter-Academies Military Games, held under the motto “United for independence, sovereignty and peace,” are designed to not only showcase the physical prowess of future officers but also to reinforce their commitment to values of cohesion and discipline. The competition extends beyond athletics, serving as a reaffirmation of shared principles among Venezuela’s military academies.

As of March 6, 2026, the Ejército Bolivariano leads the overall medal standings with a total of 107 medals – 41 gold, 31 silver, and 35 bronze. The Guardia Nacional Bolivariana currently holds second place with 85 medals (33 gold, 29 silver, and 25 bronze). The School of Medicine is in third with 45 medals (16 gold, 23 silver, and 26 bronze), followed by the Armada Bolivariana with 11 gold medals and the Aviación with five. El Universal reported these standings earlier today.

The success of both the Army and the National Guard in basketball highlights the growing strength of athletic programs within Venezuela’s military academies. The games provide a valuable platform for these institutions to demonstrate their commitment to both military preparedness and physical fitness. For those following the competition, the ongoing medal count and results can be found through official channels of the Venezuelan military and sports ministry.

The XXXVII Inter-Academies Military Games began on March 2, 2026, with the Army already leading the medal count with 19 medals, including eight gold, four silver, and seven bronze. AVN reported this initial lead.

The next event on the schedule for the Inter-Academies Military Games is yet to be announced, but updates will be provided by AVN and other official sources. Fans and followers can stay informed through these channels for the latest results and schedules.

The victories for the Ejército Bolivariano and the Guardia Nacional Bolivariana are a testament to the dedication and skill of the athletes representing Venezuela’s military academies. The Inter-Academies Military Games continue to be a significant event in the nation’s sporting calendar, showcasing the commitment to excellence within its armed forces.