Historic Moment: Combat SAMBO at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu

The Combat SAMBO tournament at The World Games 2025 will take place in Chengdu, China, on August 13-14. Over two days, medals will be awarded in both men’s and women’s individual events, as well as in men’s and women’s team competitions. Fans around the world will be able to watch the live broadcast on the official TWG2025 website and the official website of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS).

The Combat SAMBO tournament in Chengdu will feature the following weight categories:

Men’s Individual: 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg

Women’s Individual: 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg

Men’s Team: 71 kg, 79 kg, +79 kg

Women’s Team: 59 kg, 65 kg, +65 kg

SAMBO will be the only new sport added to the program of The World Games 2025 compared to the previous Games in Birmingham. This will be the third time SAMBO has been included in the official TWG program (previously in 1985 and 1993). FIAS has been a full member of the International World Games Association (IWGA) since 2021.

“Including Combat SAMBO in the program of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is not only a historic milestone, but also an important step toward our ultimate goal – the Olympic Games. Throughout 2024, intense qualification tournaments took place across four continents, with Combat SAMBO athletes competing for the right to participate in one of the world’s largest multi-sport events through World Cups, Continental Championships, and the World Championships. Only athletes who earned the highest ranking points have qualified for the Games.

The return of our sport – after 32 years – to such a prestigious multi-sport forum in China is the best evidence of SAMBO’s dynamic growth and its compliance with the highest international standards,” said FIAS President Vasily Shestakov.

The 2025 edition will mark the 12th time The World Games are held. This multi-sport event features sports and disciplines not included in the Olympic Games. The 2025 Games will be held in Asia for only the second time in history, and for the first time in China.