Pan American SAMBO Union Congress Held in Guayaquil

The Congress of the Pan American SAMBO Union (UPASA) took place on June 26 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The event was held on the eve of the Pan American SAMBO Championships and brought together representatives of national SAMBO federations from across the continent.

The session began with a report by UPASA President Eliseo Romero, who summarized the results of the past year. He noted the growing interest in SAMBO throughout the region and the strengthening of international cooperation. A key part of his speech focused on the importance of building closer ties between national SAMBO federations and their respective National Olympic Committees. Romero emphasized that such cooperation is essential for integrating SAMBO into national sports programs and elevating its status. A prime example, he noted, is the successful inclusion of SAMBO in the program of the 2025 Central American Games – a significant step toward Olympic integration.

UPASA Secretary General Guillermo Sánchez also addressed the delegates, presenting a report on organizational activities, the work of various commissions, and preparations for upcoming continental events.

During the Congress, several UPASA commissions delivered detailed reports. Members of the Referees Commission, Diego Alvarado and Karelia Granadillo, spoke about the federation’s efforts to educate and develop referees in the region. They also proposed new initiatives aimed at expanding practical training opportunities at SAMBO events.

Technical Commission Chair Mikhail Kozitskiy stressed the importance of increasing the number of regional and international SAMBO tournaments across the Americas. He noted that expanding the competition calendar would not only raise athletes’ skill levels but also boost visibility and popularity of the sport. As an example of this approach, he cited the success of the 2025 US Open SAMBO Cup held in April in Atlanta.

A dedicated part of the Congress was devoted to proposals from national federations. Delegates actively shared ideas and best practices focused on developing SAMBO in educational institutions, expanding the coaching community, and improving referee qualifications.

“The UPASA Congress is a key platform for assessing the current state of SAMBO in the region, exchanging experience, and aligning our vision for the sport’s future in the Americas,” said Eliseo Romero in his closing remarks. “The meeting in Guayaquil reaffirmed UPASA’s commitment to structured, transparent governance, openness to new ideas, and long-term development of SAMBO across the continent.”