Isabel HRISTOVA: “At the World Combat Games in Riyadh I will do everything to win”

Bulgarian athlete Isabel Hristova took second place in the 65 kg weight category in Combat SAMBO among women in the qualifying tournament for the World Combat Games 2023, which was held as part of the European SAMBO Championships Haifa (Israel). Immediately after the final match, she shared her impressions with the FIAS website.

– I made a lot of mistakes in the final, so I can’t be satisfied with my performance and the result, but I still feel positive emotions, because today I made a big step forward. The second place for me is not the result I expected, but it was a difficult tournament. On the mat I really enjoyed the fight, I'm sure next time my performance will be more successful.

Will it happen at the World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia or at the European SAMBO Championships next year?

– Now I’m talking about the Games, as they will take place this year. In Riyadh, I will try to do everything in my power to win.

What is your main sport?

– My basic sport is judo, but I also do SAMBO, mixed martial arts, sumo and wrestling. Today's tournament is my first Combat SAMBO championship.

Why did you choose SAMBO?

– Because Sport SAMBO is very close to judo. At the same time, I understand that in SAMBO I can perform some techniques better than in judo or in any other sport. When I learned about Combat SAMBO, I was really happy, it's almost perfect for me.

What are your impressions of the tournament in Israel?

– Everything was great for me. Country, city, hotel, organization – everything is absolutely great!

[VIDEO] HRISTOVA Izabel vs POLIAKOVA Iana. Combat SAMBO female 65 kg SportAccord Combat Games 2023 Selection