Duró István Memorial Brings Beach SAMBO Fans Together in Budapest

The traditional Duró István Memorial International Beach SAMBO Tournament took place on 26th July on Római Beach in Budapest. The event was organised by the Hungarian SAMBO Federation, with the Miamor club once again serving as host venue.

The tournament, which draws athletes from across Europe every year, welcomed teams from Israel and Romania this year, adding to a strong Hungarian contingent. Medals were contested in ten weight categories.

The field was impressive both in numbers – with up to 14 athletes competing for medals in some categories – and in quality, with numerous European SAMBO Championships medalists among the competitors.

Among the home athletes, Frigyes Szabó was the standout performer, securing three victories by early stoppage.

Imre Papp, President of the Hungarian SAMBO Federation, explained the significance behind the tournament and shared plans for its future.

“We want to honor the memory of our tragically deceased athlete with dignity, and this tournament has become a genuine tradition. It is a special pleasure for me that my student Gergely Pálinkás took part in the competition – he competed in the very first Beach SAMBO tournament, and today he leads Hungary's national weightlifting team as head coach. I would also like to thank Viorel Gâscă, President of the Romanian SAMBO Federation, and Shay Gayzinger, Secretary General of the Israeli SAMBO Federation, for their personal visit – it is an honour for us,” said Imre Papp.

The organizers make no secret of their ambitions: they hope that in the future the Duró István Memorial could gain higher international status as a European Cup event – and, further down the line, potentially host the first-ever European Beach SAMBO Championships.