Friendly rivalry took centre stage as personnel from the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) nations came together for the BL-ROX Challenge during Exercise Bersama Lima 2026 in Singapore.
Australian personnel joined their counterparts from Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom for the physically demanding challenge at Changi Naval Base Sports Complex.
Eight-person teams representing the exercise's air, land, maritime, Combined Joint Task Force and exercise control elements raced against the clock, with the Army team claiming victory.
Competitors tackled 80 burpees, two 20-metre lengths of farmer's carries, two 20-metre lengths of lunges and four 20-metre lengths of crab walks.
Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Shiv Sharma said the challenge brought out the competitive spirit in everyone.
"Nonetheless, things were spicy and every single team wanted to top the leader board," Flight Lieutenant Sharma said.
"But, of course, the priority remained top-class banter and enjoyment, which were both achieved."
'The laughter, competitiveness and camaraderie from today's event has certainly deepened bonds and created memories for life.'
For Flight Lieutenant Sharma, the toughest part was clear.
"Burpee push-ups were definitely the toughest. Spaghetti arms are in my future for sure," she said.
Beyond the physical challenge, Flight Lieutenant Sharma said the event offered a chance to get to know colleagues outside the workplace.
"Sport has a unique way of bringing the team spirit alive," she said.
"It's the quick-setting super glue that generates friendly competition, strengthens cohesion and highlights a sense of shared humanness."
The experience also left a lasting impression.
"The laughter, competitiveness and camaraderie from today's event has certainly deepened bonds and created memories for life," Flight Lieutenant Sharma said.
