Artem Drokov Named Referee of the Year and Receives the FIAS Porcelain Whistle

The FIAS Porcelain Whistle for Referee of the Year was presented on 7 November during the 2026 World SAMBO Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. A special jury of the International SAMBO Federation Technical Commission chose Russian referee Artem Drokov as this year’s recipient.

FIAS Sports Director Sergey Tabakov presented the award on the stage of the Championships arena, in front of the tournament’s refereeing corps. He noted Drokov’s outstanding contribution, dedication and refereeing skill, which earned him this year’s special recognition.

Addressing the referees in the hall, Tabakov said he hoped every one of them would show the highest level of professionalism, integrity and commitment to the job, so that one day they too might hold the Porcelain Whistle.

In an earlier interview, the 2026 laureate spoke about his own approach to refereeing:

“A long time ago, someone asked me: ‘Why do you referee?’ I couldn’t find an answer then. Over time I understood: it’s a sense of justice. When we see injustice in life, we want to put it right, but we don’t always have the strength. Here, on the mat, we do our best not to let injustice happen.”

The Porcelain Whistle has been awarded to the best referee every year since 2021. It is made to an exclusive design, strictly to order and under the supervision of the International SAMBO Federation. Alongside the porcelain whistle, the recipient receives a commemorative plaque and a cash prize.

The award is intended to recognize the work of referees and to serve as an additional incentive for their growth and self-improvement.