Major Joel Murdoch of the Paraguayan Army won the gold medal in the opening competition of the Military World Equestrian Championship. The tournament took place at Fuerte Militar San Jorge in Sangolquí, Ecuador. Riding Chicuelina, Murdoch secured first place on the first day of competition, giving Paraguay an early victory at the international event. The championship brought together military riders and horsewomen from 18 countries from 2 June to 6 June 2026.
The Paraguayan rider topped the podium ahead of Romania’s Estefanía Alina Stoico, who finished second with her horse King Edward. Italy’s Filippo Codecasa completed the podium after taking third place aboard R. Carola. Murdoch’s victory marked the first gold medal awarded during the championship and ensured that Paraguay’s national anthem was played during the awards ceremony.
International competition
Military riders from 18 countries arrived in Ecuador for the championship. The event opened on Wednesday, 3 June, and featured a series of equestrian competitions involving representatives of armed forces from around the world. The competition serves as one of the most important international events in military equestrian sport.
Riders represent their respective armed forces while competing in front of military delegations and officials from participating nations. Results from each event contribute to the overall performance of national delegations throughout the championship.
Paraguayan delegation
Joel Murdoch is part of a Paraguayan delegation that includes Lieutenant Juan Carlos Melgarejo and Lieutenant Francisco Medina. The team is led by Colonel Derlis Cáceres, who serves as head of the national delegation during the competition in Ecuador. Paraguay entered the championship with several representatives seeking to compete against some of the world’s best military riders.
Murdoch’s opening-day victory marked a positive start for Paraguay’s campaign in Sangolquí. While subsequent events did not produce the same level of success, the result highlighted the team’s competitiveness and provided an early achievement for the delegation. Paraguay’s representatives will now look to gain further experience and seek strong performances in future competitions.
Also read: Encarnación Delivers Spectacular L’Étape By Tour De France Debut In Paraguay.
