2 RGR win International Military Competition in Hawaii

A team from The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) won a major multinational military competition, beating teams from nine nations including the United States, Canada and Mongolia at the Pacific Land Forces Team Readiness Challenge 26 (PLFTRC 26) in Hawaii.

The competition took place from 25 April – 11 May 2026 at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. They were representing both the Brigade of Gurkhas and the British Army on the international stage.

PLFTRC is hosted by U.S. Army Pacific. It brings together soldiers from across the Indo-Pacific region to test physical endurance, teamwork, and interoperability between partner nations. This year’s competition included teams from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Mongolia, Fiji and the Philippines. Events included a 23-mile urban and rural navigation exercise, obstacle courses, stress shoots, command tasks and a 14-mile loaded march.

In total, the team covered over 150 miles during the week. The competition tested not only physical fitness but constant decision-making and leadership under pressure.

Rifleman Shital Limbu Subba, C Company, 2 RGR, who took part in the competition, said: “Representing both the Brigade of Gurkhas and the British Army on an international stage was a privilege and a responsibility we felt from the moment we stepped off the aircraft in Honolulu. The standard across the competition was exceptionally high. We were particularly impressed by the skill, discipline and teamwork shown by our counterparts from the United States, Mongolia and across the region. Observing how other nations approached problems and challenges was just as valuable as competing ourselves.”

On the team’s victory, he said: “We were incredibly proud to be announced as the overall winners of PLFTRC 26. More than just a victory, the experience strengthened our understanding of how we operate with partner nations. It reinforced the importance of cooperation and showed how events like this build trust between armies.”

The win reflects the training, leadership and support delivered back at Battalion. 2 RGR returns to Brunei having built new professional relationships with partner forces across the region.