Kyrgyzstan has confirmed it will send the largest team to the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, set to take place from June 23-27 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. A total of 57 athletes will represent the nation, highlighting its commitment to the sport.
Significance of the Event
Kyrgyzstan is now sending 57 athletes, making it the largest team competing in the tournament, while Mongolia follows with more than 40 entries.
Paolo Tancontian, President, Pilipinas Sambo Federation
- Around 600 athletes expected from 29 countries.
- Kyrgyzstan is approximately 5,500 kilometers from the Philippines.
The impressive turnout also underscores the growing significance of the Asia-Oceania Championships in the global sambo landscape. According to Tancontian, this event ranks just below the world championships in importance.
The tournament is organized by the Pilipinas Sambo Federation in collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC). PSC Chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio noted that the event will serve as a platform for promoting sports tourism in the Philippines.
Gaston highlighted that hosting the championships at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex brings logistical advantages, as delegates will stay at the nearby Century Park Hotel. This arrangement simplifies transportation and security operations.
The PSC's experience from previous events, such as the Philippine Open Tennis Championship held earlier this year, will be leveraged to ensure a successful execution of the sambo championships.
Sanctioned by the International Sambo Federation and the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania, the tournament reflects the Philippines' growing role as a host for international sports events.