World Sambo Championship 2023 in Yerevan: Event Details, Participants, and Ranking Categories
The World Sambo Championship was hosted in Yerevan, Armenia, from November 10 to 12, 2023. The event was organized with official confirmation from the International Sambo Federation (FIAS). The competition brought together participants and teams from around the world to compete across multiple weight classes and styles of Sambo.
Teams from 65 countries registered to take part in the championship, with partners including Rosneft and VTB Bank. In alignment with the decision made by the FIAS Executive Committee, athletes from Russia, Belarus, France, and refugee teams competed under neutral status rather than representing their nations directly.
The championships featured 21 weight categories across three discipline groups. Women competed in 50 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, and over 80 kg. Men’s divisions included 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, and over 98 kg. Combat Sambo also offered events in 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, and over 98 kg.
Earlier milestones in the period included policy considerations from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In February 2022, the IOC called on international sports federations to restrict participation by Russian and Belarusian athletes in competitions. A subsequent IOC Executive Committee meeting on March 28, 2023, discussed the possibility of allowing Russian athletes to participate under neutral status, provided they were not actively involved in supporting military operations. This ongoing policy debate has influenced how athletes from various nations participate in world events.
In addition to the main senior competition, there were earlier events such as the World Junior Sambo Championship, which concluded prior to the senior championship in Yerevan. The ongoing collaboration among national federations and international bodies continues to shape the landscape for Sambo on the world stage, particularly for participants and fans in North America when following international events.
Notes from organizers emphasize the importance of fair play, safety, and the sport’s growth across different regions. Observers in Canada and the United States can monitor results, schedules, and developments through official communications from FIAS and related national bodies to stay informed about how neutral status policies are implemented and what this means for future world championships.