The first International Tank Biathlon completed in Russia, with Armenia taking silver in the competition, Russian media reported.

The competition host won the Biathlon gold, with China gaining a bronze medal. The winners were awarded by the Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu. . The competition, dubbed as the Tank Olympics, saw teams from 12 countries taking part in a racing and shooting contest, much like a standard Olympic biathlon competition.

The event kicked off on August 4 at the Alabino shooting range, on the outskirts of Moscow.

According to the rules, the tanks must negotiate a 20 kilometre course while facing various obstacles, including a slalom section, river shallows, a steep hill, a pontoon bridge and an escarpment, and shoot a set of targets along the way.

The tanks have also been facing obstacles in the way of Russian aircraft and infantry combat vehicles.

The twelve countries participating were Angola, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia and Venezuela.

The Armenian team participating in International Tank Biathlon 2014 won the second place on the very first day of the competitions, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia recorded the highest result , 26.3 minutes, according to the competition’s chief coach, Lieutenant-General Yuri Petrov.

Armenia’s result was 28.58 minutes. Kazakhstan came in the third with 29.53 minutes.

Petrov said that only three countries, Russia, Armenia and China, performed without penalty time.

The biathlon, which kicked off yesterday will run through August 16. It has brought together participants from Russia, Angola, Armenia, Venezuela, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other states. Representatives from over 20 countries participate have joined the event as observers.

Armenia wins silver at Russia-hosted 1st Int’l Tank Biathlon

Tank Biathlon 2014: Armenia ranks 2nd as of first day (Video)