Niger holds third national SAMBO Championships as federation marks 10th anniversary

The third Niger national SAMBO Championships took place in Niamey, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Niger SAMBO Federation (FENISAMBO). The tournament was held at the Martial Arts Academy.

The country’s top athletes, who travelled from different regions, competed in Sport SAMBO and Combat SAMBO. The highlight of the championships was the Sport SAMBO finals on 27 September at the Place de la Patrie. They drew a large crowd, and for many spectators it was a first introduction to a sport that is still gaining visibility in Niger.

In the overall team standings, Niamey took first place in both disciplines, Combat SAMBO and Sport SAMBO. Dosso and Agadez finished second and third.

FENISAMBO President Hamidou Alzouma said the significance of the event goes beyond the competition itself. According to him, the federation sees SAMBO as a space for passing on values, solidarity and discipline, and as a tool for bringing young people together. The federation’s leadership links its first decade with the ideas of unity, organisational development and ambition.

FENISAMBO’s plans include:

- establishing clubs across the country;

- increasing the number of regional competitions;

- improving the qualifications of coaches and specialists;

- winning medals at international competitions.

The federation intends to use the combination of its anniversary and the national championships as the start of a new stage: developing a better-organized and more competitive SAMBO in Niger, one capable of representing the country beyond its borders.