European SAMBO Federation Congress Held in Limassol

The annual Congress of the European SAMBO Federation (ESF) took place on April 22 in Limassol, Republic of Cyprus. The event was held on the eve of the 2025 European SAMBO Championships and the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Championships.

President of the European SAMBO Federation Sergey Eliseev opened the meeting with a welcoming address, followed by ESF Secretary General Roberto Ferraris, who presented the report on the Federation's activities in 2024. In his speech, he highlighted the successful implementation of the annual calendar, the active efforts of national federations, and the continued strengthening of SAMBO’s international presence.

One of the key decisions of the Congress was to separate the European SAMBO Championships and the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Championships, which had previously been held as a combined event. Starting in 2026, the tournaments will be held independently: the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Championships in April, and the European Championships in May. As noted by Sergey Eliseev, this change will enable national federations to expand their delegations and increase the number of participating athletes, which in turn will contribute to the further development of SAMBO in Europe.

During the Congress, the SAMBO Union of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was unanimously accepted as a new member of the European SAMBO Federation. Athletes from this country are set to make their debut at the 2025 European SAMBO Championships and the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Championships.

“Cyprus is once again hosting both the continental championships and cadet, youth and junior competitions. The national SAMBO federation shows great care and dedication in organizing these events,” emphasized Sergey Eliseev, as he looked ahead to the upcoming tournaments.

The European SAMBO Championships and the European Cadet, Youth and Junior Championships will be held from April 23 to 27 in Limassol, Republic of Cyprus. Medals will be contested in both Sport SAMBO and Combat SAMBO at the Apollon Limassol Basketball Stadium. A live broadcast of the competitions will be available on the video platform www.sambo.live.

Photo: ESF press-service