Richmond REVINA: “I want to try Combat SAMBO for the blind”

Filipino athlete Richmond Revina made his debut this year at the Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships, competing in Blind SAMBO (SVI-1 class – totally blind athletes). At his very first tournament of this level, Richmond didn’t hold back – he went straight to the final and earned a silver medal in the up to 64 kg weight category. In an interview with the FIAS website, Richmond spoke about the importance of this achievement, the atmosphere in Tashkent, and his dream to one day compete in Combat SAMBO for the blind.

– I never imagined I’d win a silver medal at such a major international SAMBO tournament. Every day I pray, and I thank God for hearing my prayers. Competing in Tashkent and earning a medal at the Asia and Oceania Championships made both me and my parents incredibly happy.

How long have you been practicing SAMBO?

– I’m still new to it. I’ve practiced various martial arts, but I only discovered SAMBO a couple of years ago. I’m doing my best to train and learn the rules, but I can’t say it’s easy. SAMBO has so many strong guys – it’s tough to fight them. And of course, the technical arsenal is huge – you need to know a lot of techniques to succeed in this sport. I believe God’s help is what allows me to win.

What did you think of the atmosphere at the Asia and Oceania Championships in Tashkent?

– It was amazing, especially the crowd support. I could hear the cheers from the stands and feel that a lot of people were watching my matches – that gave me a special kind of energy during the competition. The atmosphere was both motivating and freeing at the same time. And it was great to meet sighted athletes – elite-level SAMBO champions – competing on the mats next to us. I even got to talk to some of them, and that meant a lot to me.

Did you connect with any potential rivals?

– I got to know Mark Trompp from Australia. He also won silver in his weight category, so now we’re “silver brothers.”

What are your future plans in SAMBO?

– I want to try Combat SAMBO for the blind. I think it would be insanely interesting. I know the discipline doesn’t exist yet, but I believe it could become really popular.

Do you say that because, like many Filipinos, you’re skilled in leg striking techniques?

– Yes, I have strong legs and I constantly train my kicks. I think that could be a big advantage if I ever compete in Combat SAMBO. Let’s give it a try – why not?