World Masters SAMBO Championships Begin in Bukhara: A Celebration of the Spirit of Competition

Tomorrow, in the ancient city of Bukhara, the echoes of past victories will come alive once again. From October 24 to 26, this legendary Uzbek city will host the World Masters SAMBO Championships – a tournament that has become a true symbol of dedication, inner strength, and lifelong passion for the sport.

On the mats will stand athletes whose age has passed thirty-five, yet whose fire has never dimmed. They no longer chase titles or records – they return to feel the pulse of competition once more, to hear the referee’s whistle, to sense the familiar grip of the mat beneath their feet, and to face an opponent they respect long before the bout begins.

The competition will take place at the Universal Sports Complex, bringing together masters divided into age categories from 35 to 65+, across weight classes ranging from 64 to +98 kg. Here, it is not youthful drive that determines victory, but experience measured in seconds, calm under pressure, and the wisdom earned through years on the mat.

Yet this championship is more than a sporting event – it is a celebration of memory, resilience, and lifelong connection to SAMBO. Many of the participants return to the mat decades after finishing their professional careers – to hear the applause again, to stand beside their teammates, and to pass on to the younger generation that enduring spirit from which true strength begins: the strength of character.

Bukhara, a city where tradition lives in every stone, every arch, and every dome, offers the perfect setting for this gathering. Here, the passage of time feels tangible – and so it is fitting that this ancient city welcomes an event where SAMBO once again unites generations.

Tomorrow, the mats of Bukhara will come alive with bouts that transcend age. In this arena, there are no losers – only those who remain true to themselves, their sport, and the passion that time cannot erase.

Because SAMBO is more than a sport. It is a lifelong journey – one that continues as long as a person has the will to fight, both on the mat and in life.