International SAMBO Grand Prix Held in Hungary

The Hungarian SAMBO Federation hosted its annual International Grand Prix tournament on January 24 at the BVSC wrestling hall in Budapest – an event that has become a fixture in the sport's calendar.

The competition brought together athletes from seven countries: Switzerland, France, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova, Ukraine, and Hungary. According to the national federation, the international field provided Hungarian sambists with valuable experience facing diverse opponents ahead of major championships on the horizon.

“I want this tournament to become the strongest competition in Central Europe, and we're on the right track to achieving that goal,” said Imre Papp, president of the Hungarian SAMBO Federation. “I'm extremely pleased with how things are shaping up. The Moldovan and Romanian teams represent a different level of strength compared to us, and Switzerland and France also sent some seriously prepared athletes!”

The Grand Prix results, combined with outcomes from the earlier Hungarian National Championship, have essentially determined the country's national team roster for the 2026 season across youth and adult divisions. For Hungarian athletes, the tournament served as an important benchmark in preparation for a packed international calendar.

“I'm proud that top-level athletes competed. We gained tremendous experience. I think we've stepped up to a new level,” Papp added.

Looking ahead, youth teams will focus their preparation on the continental championship scheduled for April, while senior athletes are targeting the World Cup in April followed by the European Championships in May.