Assam Regiment Wins Gold Medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026

Soldiers of the Indian Army’s Assam Regiment have won a gold medal at Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026, held in Wales, UK. They competed against more than 100 teams from around the world and were one of 10 teams to receive gold.

Why Did the Assam Regiment Win the Gold Medal?

The Army said the Assam Regiment team showed four key qualities:

• Endurance: The patrol completed a tiring mission in difficult mountain terrain.
• Tactical proficiency: The team carried out tasks such as reconnaissance, navigation and combat drills correctly.
• Leadership: The patrol leader made sound decisions under pressure.
• Teamwork: Soldiers worked together to finish the mission within strict time limits.

The Army added that the result reflects its rigorous training standards and professional competence. The gold came in a field of more than 100 teams, where only 10 reached this level.

About Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026

Cambrian Patrol is organised by the British Army to test operational effectiveness, physical endurance and tactical skills in realistic battlefield conditions. It is run by the 160th (Welsh) Brigade in the Brecon Beacons area of mid-Wales.

It began in 1959 as a field-training exercise created by Welsh Territorial Army soldiers, with a long march followed by a shooting test. It later became an international event, with teams from India, Pakistan, the United States, Finland, Estonia and Switzerland, among others.

It is not a race with one winner. Each patrol is judged against military training standards and can earn a gold, silver or bronze medal, or a completion award. This is why several teams can win gold in the same year.

Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026 Activities

A typical patrol has eight soldiers who spend about 48 hours covering around 60 kilometres, carrying up to 32 kg each. Tasks include:

• Reconnaissance and navigation
• Casualty evacuation
• Crossing obstacles and minefields
• Intelligence gathering and communications
• Artillery target procedures
• Responding to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats

Recent editions have added scenarios involving drones and persistent surveillance.

Other Indian Army Regiments That Won Gold Medals

• 2007: 5th Battalion, 1st Gorkha Rifles
• 2010: 4/9 Gorkha Rifles
• 2014: 8th Battalion, Garhwal Rifles
• 2016: 2nd Battalion, 8th Gorkha Rifles
• 2021: 4th Battalion, 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)