Today marks April 23, the fifth day of the European SAMBO Championship and European Junior Championships, a gathering organized under the auspices of the International Sambo Federation, commonly known as FIAS. This event brings together top competitors from across Europe and beyond, competing to crown champions in a range of weight categories and age groups. The competitions unfold in Haifa, Israel, a city that has hosted numerous martial arts events and brings a vibrant atmosphere to this championship series.
In the junior division, triumphs were secured by a number of Russian sambists across several weight classes. Nazar Morozov claimed gold in the 53 kg category, followed by Akhmat Yakhyaev in the 64 kg class, Igor Grushkovsky at 71 kg, Rustam Baituev in the 79 kg division, Kirill Bedretdinov in the 88 kg category, and Vitaly Shapkin in the 98+ kg weight class. On the women’s side, a slate of Russian competitors reached the podium with gold medals. Alina Melkozerova won at 47 kg, Anastasia Barabash at 50 kg, Alina Skripacheva at 54 kg, Anastasia Berezhkova at 59 kg, Daria Baranenkova at 65 kg, and Eva Ognivova at 72 kg. In addition, Madina Suleymanova claimed gold in the 80 kg category, while Alisa Pavlova topped the 80+ kg division. The junior championships showcased depth and consistency across both genders, highlighting the strength of the regional programs that feed into senior international competition.
The European Sambo Championship portion of the event extended over several days, beginning on April 19 and culminating on the current day. Spectators and athletes alike witnessed a program that blends technical prowess with strategic competition, illustrating how sambo styles adapt across weight classes and national teams. The tournament structure emphasized rigorous draw formats, repeated weigh-ins, and refereeing standards designed to ensure fair play and clear adjudication of points and penalties. Competitors pushed through rounds that tested speed, balance, and tactical adaptability, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity within Europe and its continuing expansion into new markets and audiences.
Looking back at the broader competitive landscape, it is important to note that in March 2022 the Federation of International Sambo (FIAS) made a decision allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international tournaments under a neutral status. This adjustment followed wider discussions within the international sports community about eligibility rules, safety, and the management of geopolitical realities in international competition. Since then, athletes from these nations have competed alongside others under neutral identifiers, reflecting ongoing efforts to separate athletic competition from political considerations while maintaining competitive integrity and sporting camaraderie on the mats.
On April 21, Russian sambists secured a remarkable total of 25 medals at the European Junior Championships, illustrating the continued strength of the nation in junior-level competition. This medal haul underscored the depth of talent and the effectiveness of training programs that nurture young athletes from early development to elite performance. The results contributed to a broader narrative about European and global sambo development, signaling areas for continued investment, coaching exchanges, and cross-border competition that help raise the standard of play across weight classes and age groups. As the event progressed, coaches, officials, and supporters observed a dynamic exchange of techniques, conditioning strategies, and competitive spirit that defined the championship as a landmark moment for the sport in the region.