Russia’s junior sambists delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the European Junior Championships in Haifa, Israel, earning a total of 25 medals. The tally was reported by the press service of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) and reflects a strong start for the Russian squad across weight categories for both sexes.
On April 21, Russian juniors captured 14 gold medals across all men’s and women’s weight classes. The champions included Shagen Mirzoyan at 58 kg, Vadim Ishintaev at 64 kg, Abratsum Movsisyan at 71 kg, Daniil Zhalilov at 79 kg, Ruslan Somemenko at 88 kg, Andrey Ayubov at 98 kg, and Vladislav Onishchenko in the over 98 kg category. In the women’s division, Anna Murashkina weighed in at 50 kg, Ksenia Simonova at 54 kg, Yana Dzhumaeva at 59 kg, Arina Parhut at 65 kg, Evgenia Shevchenko at 72 kg, Polina Khramatneva at 80 kg, and Olesya Tkachenko in the over 80 kg class.
The Russian team did not stop at gold; they added seven silver medals and five bronze medals to their overall haul, underscoring depth and consistency across both genders and a wide range of weight categories. The opening day showcased a mix of technical precision, tactical discipline, and the resilience to perform under pressure, elements that have become a hallmark of the Russian junior program in grappling sports like sambo. The event in Haifa is part of a broader circuit that draws rising talents from across Europe, and these results set a high bar for the rest of the competition. [FIAS report]
The European Junior Championships in Haifa run from April 19 to 23, bringing together young competitors from many nations to vie for medals and recognition in a sport that combines strength, agility, and strategic grappling. The schedule features a full slate of weight classes, with finals and award ceremonies spread across the event window. The performances on the first competitive day have already signaled strong momentum for the Russian team as the tournament progresses.
It is worth noting that back in March 2022 the International Sambo Federation allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in international tournaments in a neutral status. This policy enabled continued participation at high levels while addressing geopolitical considerations surrounding the sport. The Haifa championship, like several recent events, has included teams and athletes navigating these participation rules while focusing on athletic excellence.
Earlier reporting indicated that Russian sambists achieved eight gold medals at the European Championships held in Haifa, signaling a consistent performance rhythm in the region. The fresh results from the junior division reinforce the pattern, highlighting a pipeline of talent across ages and weight classes that contribute to Russia’s prominence in European sambo circles. [FIAS overview]