The French city were given the event during the Congress and 66th General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), ironically, in Seoul - where Pyeongchang's bid team are located.

The CISM, which was founded in 1948, is one of the largest multidisciplinary organisations in the world.

It organises sporting events for the armed forces of its 133 member countries.

The Winter Games includes six disciplines -·Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ski orienteering, indoor climbing and speed skating - and were held for the first time in Aosta in Italy last year.

They event will be held from March 24 until 30, 2013, on many of the sites proposed for the 2018 bid, including the Opening and Closing ceremonies, indoor climbing and short track speed skating in Annecy, ski touring and ski orienteering in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Alpine skiing in la Clusaz and cross-country skiing and the biathlon in Grand-Bornand.

"We are very proud and honoured that the CISM has put its trust in Annecy and France to organise the 2nd Winter Military World Games," said Charles Beigbeder, the President of Annecy 2018.

"Once again, this testifies to our country's ability to host major international competitions and be a global platform for winter sports.

"Our magnificent playing field will be ready to provide all these athletes with an opportunity to excel in 2013 and, we hope, in 2018 with authentic Games, in the heart of the mountains, with the athletes and for the future."

This year's Summer Military World Games are due to be held in Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.

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