Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is set to host the World Sambo Cup from October 6 to 8, bringing together a diverse field of athletes and a wide range of weight divisions across both sport and combat sambo disciplines. The event is designed to showcase emerging talents and seasoned competitors alike, highlighting the sport’s global reach and the high level of technical skill present in today’s sambo community.
A strong lineup is expected from teams across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Delegations from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Bolivia, Germany, Greece, Georgia, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Morocco, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, and the Netherlands are anticipated to participate. Additional teams from Romania, Serbia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are also confirmed, underscoring the Cup’s role as a premier gathering for international sambo competition. This broad participation reflects the sport’s appeal and its capacity to unite athletes from varied backgrounds in pursuit of excellence. [Source: International Sambo Federation]
In line with the decisions taken by the board of directors of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), competitors from Russia, Belarus, and France will compete under neutral status rather than under their national banners. This arrangement ensures the Cup remains an inclusive, sport-forward event while maintaining clear governance standards for international competition. The neutral designation is intended to focus attention on the athletes and their performances, rather than national affiliations. [Source: International Sambo Federation]
The Cup will feature a well-structured slate of weight categories to accommodate competitors at different development stages and experience levels. The program includes Youth divisions at 50 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, and a plus 80 kg category. An additional Youth cohort covers 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, and a plus 98 kg class. For Combat Sambo (juniors), the same weight spread is applied 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, and plus 98 kg, ensuring a balanced competition landscape across formats. Girls divisions span 47 kg, 50 kg, 54 kg, 59 kg, 65 kg, 72 kg, 80 kg, and plus 80 kg, while Men contend in 53 kg, 58 kg, 64 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 98 kg, and plus 98 kg, providing clear pathways for athletes to progress through age groups and skill levels. [Source: event program]
The World Sambo Cup is supported by prominent partners that help ensure the event runs smoothly and reaches a broad audience. Rosneft serves as the general partner, while VTB Bank acts as the official partner, underscoring the event’s robust backing from major industry players. Their involvement helps secure facilities, logistics, and organizational excellence, contributing to a seamless competition experience for athletes, coaches, and fans alike. [Source: event sponsors]
Beyond the titles and medals, the Cup serves as a stage for memorable moments that resonate with fans of the sport. For instance, discussions around the impact of athletes who have shaped sambo’s competitive landscape are often highlighted in pre-event analyses and post-fight recaps. Notable performances in recent history have elevated the sport’s profile on the international stage, inviting new audiences to explore the discipline and its unique blend of throws, submissions, and strategic grappling. Overall, the Cup reinforces sambo’s appeal as a dynamic, high-intensity sport with deep roots and a growing global footprint. [Source: sport journalism and historical recaps]