Overcoming Darkness: British SAMBO Athlete Scott Bailey Set to Conquer Bishkek

This November, a remarkable athlete will take to the mat at the World SAMBO Championships in Bishkek, competing not just for medals but for something much greater. Thirty-six-year-old Scott Bailey from Cheshire, England, is set to become the first blind athlete to represent Great Britain at the World SAMBO Championships.

When Darkness Doesn’t Stop You

Scott’s journey is one of resilience and determination – proof that even life’s toughest blows can’t break a true fighter. A former Muay Thai practitioner, he faced a life-changing challenge when he lost his sight.

But instead of giving up, Scott found a new path in judo, competing in the V1 category for athletes with total blindness. And he didn’t just compete – he triumphed. Scott has earned medals at international tournaments in Poland, France, the Netherlands, and Ireland, achieved his 1st Dan black belt, was named Sportsman of the Year at Keele University, and honored as Cheshire Sports Personality of the Year – all after losing his vision.

Now, he’s taking the next step – mastering SAMBO. Having successfully passed his classification in the under-79 kg division, Scott has qualified to represent Great Britain at the World Championships in Bishkek. He’ll compete in the SVI-1 class, designated for totally blind athletes.

A Discipline Gaining Global Recognition

Bailey’s debut comes at a historic moment for SAMBO for the blind and visually impaired. This year, the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) received recognition from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as a Recognized International Federation – joining an elite group of just 15 sports federations worldwide with this status. This milestone brings SAMBO one step closer to potential inclusion in the Paralympic Games.

“Our athletes are people who, despite their limitations, step onto the mat, compete, and win. Their spirit, courage, and determination deserve the deepest respect,” – said FIAS President Vasily Shestakov.

A New Chapter for British SAMBO

Scott’s preparation for Bishkek is being led by Oleg Sibilev, Director of Development at the British Sombo Federation, who has been pioneering SAMBO for visually impaired and blind athletes in the UK – helping make the sport more inclusive than ever.

“Scott is an athlete with an incredible willpower,” says Oleg. “His work ethic and discipline are extraordinary. What he’s able to do on the mat, without sight, commands absolute respect.”

Under the leadership of British Sombo Federation President Robin Hislop, a focused support program has been launched to prepare Bailey for the World Championships. The federation is providing full backing, recognizing the importance of his participation both for the athlete and the sport’s future in the UK.

Bishkek Awaits

This November, the world’s best SAMBO athletes will gather in the Kyrgyz capital – and among them will be Scott Bailey, a man who long ago stopped seeing darkness as an obstacle.

“It’s crucial that blind SAMBO athletes compete as part of the main World Championships program, alongside all other competitors. This inclusion means a great deal – it allows them to be fully integrated into the SAMBO community and to feel like true athletes among equals,” – emphasized Roman Novikov, Chair of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Disabilities.

In Bishkek, Scott Bailey won’t just be competing for medals. He’ll be competing for something far greater – the right of every person, regardless of ability, to stand as an equal among the world’s best. And that may be the most important victory of all.