Filenews 11 February 2026 - by Petros Axfentiou
The chairman of the Legal Committee, Nikos Tornaritis, gave 15 days to the Ministry of Justice to submit a bill to regulate air polo in Cyprus. As reported today to the Committee, the whole issue has been known to the Ministry since 2014, however, to date the necessary steps have not been taken to regulate and legalize the airsoft.
DISY MP, Prodromos Alambritis, recently submitted a relevant law proposal, which will amend the Firearms and Non-Firearms Law. Speaking to the Committee, he said that the goal is to support the sport, as hundreds of citizens are involved in it. "It is an up-and-coming sport worldwide and has expanded to Cyprus," he noted.
He added that they studied the paintball legislation, which has similarities. "We examined the framework that applies in other countries, so that it can be regulated in Cyprus as well. It is a sport that helps young people and society."
700 people are involved in the sport in Cyprus
For his part, the president of the Cyprus Air Polo Federation, Argyris Argyrou, explained that in the last 4-5 years there has been an increase in interest in airsoft in Cyprus. "We have 130 members, while at the moment in Cyprus there are about 700 people involved," he said.
He stressed that they want the legislation to be amended so that there are no obstacles for either the Police or those involved in air polo. He added that existing legislation allows 4.5 mm pellets, while airsoft pellets are 6 mm. He also stated that they are seeking to determine specific areas for the conduct of the games where there will be appropriate signalling.
The legal representative of the Federation stated that this is a recreational and sports activity, with the aim of being carried out in a responsible context. "We do not want to burden the Police, but we want to have a good cooperation. There is comparative research with parliaments of European countries. Countries regulate this activity and we want to set some frameworks in Cyprus that will concern public safety." He stressed that it is an oxymoron for paintball to be regulated and for this sport not to be.
Positive Police and Ministry – They see security issues
The Ministry of Justice also views the issue positively. His spokesman said that from time to time requests have been submitted by citizens asking for the regulation of the sport. He underlined that a bill is being prepared to amend the law, as there are security issues that need to be regulated.
The position of the Police was also interesting, which, as reported to the Committee, is identical to the position of the Ministry. The Police ask for the specific weapons to be registered, so that they know their owners. "We are in favour of legalization, but there must be regulation in terms of safety. There is an issue with the pellets, while some weapons run on an electric battery," it said.
In addition, the Police explained that these weapons do not have a marking number, which must be arranged so that they can be registered.
What is airsoft
Airsoft is a modern strategy and recreational game that simulates military or tactical scenarios, based on cooperation, teamwork, and respect for safety rules. Participants use custom-made replicas of guns, known as airsoft replicas, which fire small, non-metallic, low-power pellets. Airsoft is not aimed at physical harm, but at the experience of the game, tactical thinking and responsibility of the players. For this reason, it is usually carried out in specially designed or private spaces and is accompanied by strict rules of use and safety, which in many countries are also determined by the relevant legislation.
