World Competitor from Sverdlovsk Showcases Samba Skills at Global Games in China
Sambo, a traditional Russian martial art, is making a comeback in the World Games after a long absence. The martial art was first included in the World Games program in 1985 and 1993, and it has now been reintroduced for the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.
The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) became a member of the International World Games Association (IWGA) in 2021, paving the way for Sambo's inclusion in the World Games. This move is significant as the World Games serves as a platform for sports not currently part of the Olympic program, making it an excellent opportunity for Sambo to increase its global visibility and competitiveness.
Roman Shakirov, a prominent figure in Sambo, has emphasised that participating in multisport events like the World Games is a major milestone and a stepping stone towards Sambo’s future Olympic ambitions. The World Games inclusion is seen as a strategic step forward in the martial art's journey towards broader international recognition and potential Olympic inclusion.
In addition to Sambo's inclusion in the World Games, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) approved the International SAMBO Federation as a Recognised International Federation in 2025. This recognition is an important credential that reflects compliance with international standards in governance, anti-doping, and sport development. This recognition is instrumental in supporting Sambo’s bid for inclusion in the Paralympic and possibly the Olympic programs in the future.
The World Games in Chengdu, China, will feature a variety of sports and disciplines, making it a diverse and inclusive event. Sambo competitions at the World Games will include individual men's and women's weight categories, as well as a mixed team discipline.
Sofya Istomina, a Russian World and European Champion in Sambo, is representing the Sverdlovsk region at the World Games in Chengdu, China from August 7 to 17. The World Games is one of the most important starts for Sofya this year, according to her. Alexander Kozlov, a Master of Sports in Sambo, World and European Champion, and 2024 World Combat Sambo Cup winner, is also representing the Sverdlovsk region at the World Games.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing sports culture are top priorities for the Sverdlovsk region government, as stated by governor Denis Pasler. The sports included in the World Games are gymnastics, rowing, billiards, various combat sports, underwater sports, dance sports, and others.
The World Games have been held every four years since 1981, and the World Games in Chengdu, China, 2025, will feature sambo for the first time in 32 years. Intense qualification for the World Games took place through World Cups, continental championships, and the World Championship. The right to participate in the World Games was awarded to athletes based on the number of rating points they scored during qualification events held in 2024 across four continents.
The scale of the World Games is very serious, as there will be thousands of athletes from numerous countries competing. The World Games is a multi-sport event that includes sports and sporting disciplines not featured in the Olympic Games. The World Games in Chengdu, China will feature around 5,000 athletes from over 100 countries.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Sambo in the 2025 World Games marks a significant step forward in the martial art's journey towards international recognition and potential Olympic inclusion. The World Games in Chengdu, China, will be an exciting event for Sambo athletes, and it will showcase the martial art to a global audience.
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