Tashkent Hosts Jubilee World SAMBO Championships with Record Global Participation

The 2026 World SAMBO Championships officially commenced this week in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking a significant milestone for the sport. The event serves as a jubilee celebration, highlighting the growth and international reach of the martial art. A record-breaking 101 countries are represented at this year's tournament, showcasing the sport's expanding global footprint. The International SAMBO Federation, known as FIAS, organized the event to bring together the world's top practitioners for high-level competition. The opening ceremonies set a tone of unity and athletic excellence for the days of intense matches ahead. Athletes are competing across various weight classes, aiming to secure titles on the international stage. The tournament is being held in a professional, non-profit environment designed to foster fair play and mutual respect among all participants. FIAS President Vasily Shestakov officially opened the championships, emphasizing the importance of the sport's development and the dedication of the national federations involved. The event also featured the presentation of credentials to new SAMBO ambassadors, including renowned fighters Fedor Emelianenko and Islam Makhachev. These figures are expected to help promote the sport's values and visibility to a wider audience. The competition schedule includes multiple days of intense action, with results from the opening rounds already establishing early leaders in the standings. Organizers have provided live broadcasts to ensure fans around the world can follow the progress of their national teams. The championships are expected to conclude with a series of final bouts that will determine the world champions in each category. This gathering in Tashkent underscores the commitment of the international community to maintaining the integrity and standards of the sport. As the tournament progresses, the focus remains on the technical skill and sportsmanship displayed by the athletes on the mat. The success of this year's event is seen as a positive indicator for the future of SAMBO as a recognized global discipline.