SAMBO Without Borders: Friendly Encounter Between Tashkent and London Clubs Held in Uzbekistan

A true celebration of sport took place in the capital of Uzbekistan – a friendly SAMBO match between the Tashkent city team and the Fighting Academy club from London. The event was held on May 25 at the gym of the specialized lyceum under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and became a vivid example of international sports dialogue.

Young but already experienced SAMBO athletes took to the mat on both sides. The British guests competed under the leadership of club president Oleg Sibilev, while the hosts were guided by head coach of the Tashkent team, Roman Shakirov. In a series of intense and exciting matches, the Tashkent athletes managed to claim victory – with a final score of 2:1 in gold medals in favor of the home team.

The special atmosphere of the event was enhanced by the presence of honored guests. Among those supporting the athletes were Olympic medalist and International Judo Federation representative Armen Bagdasarov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan SAMBO Association Alisher Alimov, USSR Cup medalist and Master of Sport Ma’ruf Mahmudov, Executive Director of the Tashkent City Department of the SAMBO Association of Uzbekistan Maksim Zyablov, and other distinguished figures from the SAMBO community.

At the end of the tournament, all participants received commemorative trophies, medals, certificates, and gifts.

“The greatest reward was a new chapter of friendship, mutual respect, and love for SAMBO that united athletes from different countries. These kinds of meetings are more than just competitions. They are a step toward the international future of SAMBO – a future without borders, where only sport, partnership, and strength of spirit matter,” said Alisher Alimov.