On December 14th of this year, the 17th Dr. Pranciškus Eigminas International Memorial SAMBO Tournament was held at the Vilnius Palace of Cultural Entertainment and Sports.
The first president of Lithuanian sambo federation, for many years the Secretary General of FIAS (International Sambo Federation), vice-rector of Vilnius University, dr. Pranciškus Eigminas is one of the most deserving persons of SAMBO sport in Lithuania and worldwide. He dedicated more than 50 years to the SAMBO sport.
Over 120 athletes from nine countries stood up to fight for the honorable awards. The competition was held in the discipline of sports SAMBO — fought in the adult and cadet age groups, among men and women, and in the discipline of combat SAMBO — only men fought.
At the opening of the competition, the athletes were greeted by the President of the Lithuanian Sambo Federation Dr.Eduardas Rudas, Dr. Linas Obcarskas. The participants of the tournament were honored by the guests: Hendrik Jan Ningbers — the President of the Dutch Sambo Federation, Dmitri Samoshchuk — the President of the Estonian Sambo Federation, Valius Kazlauskas — museumkeeper of Rokiškis Region, relatives of Pranciškus Eigminas — daughter Laura, sons Darius and Donatas, and grandchildren, other pupils and comrades of Pranciškus. The Lithuanian Anthem sounded the sound of a violin melody, which was greeted by a guest from Poland, the head of the Warsaw club and coach Ivo Cherniavski.
From the first moments, fierce battles boiled over on two sambo mats. In the weight category up to 79 kg fighted this year’s judo Paralympic medalist Osvaldas Bareikis, who, after a tenacious fight, gave a little to the multiple European prize-winner Mindaugas Veržbickas from Ukmergė in the final after a tenacious fight.No one equaled the mastery to the multiple European and world medalist Latvian Viktors Reshko, who has won the beautiful Champions Cup for the third year in a row. In the combat SAMBO competition, where a lot of combat actions are allowed, spectators saw even more fierce fights and even a knockout.
Athletes from 6 countries dressed up with exceptional medals. In the team ranking, Lithuanian athletes won the first place after winning 11 gold medals, the second place was taken by Lavija (2 gold, two silver medals), the third place was taken by Poland after winning 2 gold medals. fourth remained the Germans (1 silver and 2 bronze medals).
The Lithuanian Sambo Federation sincerely thanks all those who contributed to the organization and execution of this beautiful tournament and wishes a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!