Viktor Rudenko, a Russian sambo wrestler, spoke about his triumph at the Asian and Oceania Open Championship (OCHAiO) and what it means for his career.
Rudenko expressed gratitude to the International Federation of Amateur Sambo (FIAS) for enabling him to compete on the international stage. He did not claim that victory was guaranteed, but he emphasized that his preparation had been purposeful and focused on securing top honors. He added that the team would keep refining skills, studying strategies, and pursuing medals that reflect true merit. He noted that the event went smoothly, with opponents recognizing him as a seasoned competitor, and that while the path to success was never easy, it remained within his control.
Looking ahead to the World Martial Arts Games, Rudenko spoke with confidence about aiming for the podium. He described the prevailing mindset among athletes in any major competition: the drive to win and the commitment to push past limits. His statement underscored a clear goal to attain first place and to continue representing his sport with determination and discipline.
In the SVI-1 category, a fully blind division for competitors weighing up to 79 kilograms, Rudenko earned the championship by defeating Shokhrukh Nazarov of Tajikistan in the final match. The victory highlighted how adaptive formats within regional championships can showcase the resilience and skill of visually impaired athletes, adding depth to the competition and illustrating the sport’s inclusive ethos.
Within the scope of the Asian and Oceania Championship, the event also served as a platform for the first international clashes between visually impaired sambo practitioners, highlighting the growing recognition and support for athletes with vision impairment across the region.
As a former participant in the broader World Games program, Rudenko’s trajectory points toward Chengdu, China, where the next edition is planned for 2025. His ongoing involvement reflects the sport’s expansion and the pursuit of higher challenges on a global stage, with preparation, resilience, and a steady drive to perform at peak level.