FIAS Participates in IF Forum in Lausanne

The delegation of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS), led by President Vasily Shestakov, took part in the International Federations Forum (IF Forum) held in the Olympic capital of the world – Lausanne, Switzerland. The event included a series of important meetings with representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), ARISF, IWGA, CISM, and other major international sports organizations.

Special attention was given to FIAS’s participation in the General Assembly of the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF), where elections for the organization’s leadership took place. Raffaele Chiulli was re-elected as ARISF President, and new members were elected to the Executive Board, opening up new opportunities for enhanced cooperation among IOC-recognized federations.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a working meeting with the Organizing Committee of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games. The FIAS delegation held discussions with Kit McConnell, Chief Sports Officer of the Organizing Committee, and Brendan Keane, Director of Sport. The talks focused on the potential inclusion of SAMBO in the program of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

A productive meeting was also held with the leadership of the International Military Sports Council (CISM). The FIAS delegation met with CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia to discuss preparations for the CISM International Challenge, scheduled to take place in August 2026 in Moscow. The parties also outlined plans for further expanding cooperation between the two organizations.

During the forum, the FIAS delegation held meetings with IOC President Thomas Bach, other IOC representatives, and the heads of UWW, as well as the international federations of jiu-jitsu, muaythai, and kickboxing.

“The IF Forum in Lausanne provided a unique opportunity to strengthen SAMBO’s position in the international sports community,” said FIAS President Vasily Shestakov. “Particularly significant were our discussions with the Brisbane 2032 Organizing Committee regarding the possible inclusion of SAMBO in the Olympic program, and our agreements with CISM to hold a major event in Moscow. We will continue to actively develop international cooperation and promote our sport on the global stage.”