Continental SAMBO Championships Rescheduled Due To COVID-19

Continental federations of Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas decided to put their championships back to a later date. This was done due to the global coronavirus disease and the recommendations of the World Health Organization to cancel mass sports competitions.

The first to reschedule their continental Championships was the European SAMBO Federation (ESF). As the FIAS website reported earlier, the ESF Executive Committee decided to defer the European SAMBO Championships until 18–20 September 2020, instead of May 22–24. Yekaterinburg, Russia, still remains the tournament’s venue.

In its turn, the SAMBO Union of Asia (SUA) also decided to put back their continental championships. The Asian SAMBO Championships, as well as the Asian Youth SAMBO Championships that were scheduled for June 17-20, have been postponed to the third week of September. The new probable dates for the tournament in Bali (Indonesia) are said to be September 17-20, but everything depends on further development of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The African Championships and the Pan-American SAMBO Championships were also held off indefinitely. It was previously planned that the African Championships would take place in June in Egypt, and the Pan-American Championships in July in Colombia. At this point, the continental federations are monitoring the development of the coronavirus pandemic, to specify the new dates for the tournaments.

Earlier, the President of the International SAMBO Federation Vasily Shestakov claimed that ‘for SAMBO, the athletes’ health has always been and will remain the top priority.’

‘In view of the global epidemiological situation, it would be rather hazardous to expose our athletes and other competition participants to health risks. The International SAMBO Federation is closely observing the situation and will keep its members informed of any further developments. Meanwhile, we urge you to take good care of your health and avoid any risks that may affect it,’ stressed the FIAS head.