The Ukrainian Embassy in Tel Aviv urged the Israeli Ministry of Culture and Sports to pause the 2023 European SAMBO Championship amid the presence of athletes from Russia and Belarus. The embassy conveyed its stance through official social channels, drawing attention to the wider geopolitical context and how it could affect the event’s integrity and perception. Cited: Ukrainian Embassy.
The European event is hosted in Haifa, Israel, drawing spectators and officials from across the Middle East and beyond. Organizers welcomed competitors from 24 nations, underscoring a geographically broad, continent-spanning competition. Russia, Belarus, and France are competing under the International SAMBO Federation, reflecting the federation’s policy on national versus neutral affiliations during periods of heightened international tension. Cited: International SAMBO Federation.
Competition activities run through April 23, featuring medals in multiple divisions. The schedule includes sports sambo for cadets, juniors, and adults, alongside combat sambo for both men and women, delivering a wide-ranging display of technique, strength, and athleticism across age groups. Cited: European SAMBO Championship organizers.
On the opening day, reports noted that Russian athletes secured eight gold medals and two bronze medals, highlighting a strong performance that elicited varied responses from observers and officials. Cited: event coverage.
A development from the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Committee meeting held on March 28 suggested that Russian competitors could participate under neutral status, provided they were not actively involved in hostilities. The guidance also stated that athletes tied to law enforcement or armed forces would be barred from competing, reflecting ongoing discussions about eligibility criteria and the broader impact of sanctions on sport. Cited: IOC Executive Committee meeting notes.