On December 4, a meeting of the Executive Committee of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) was held, at which the key issue for the development of the sport was considered — the participation of Russian and Belarusian national teams of all age categories under national flags and anthems in international competitions.
Following the discussion, the members of the Executive Committee made a historic decision: Russian and Belarusian SAMBO wrestlers were given back the right to perform under the national flag and anthem at all international competitions. This decision restores sporting justice and opens up new opportunities for the development of SAMBO on the world stage.
President of the European Sambo Federation Sergey Eliseev thanked the members of the Executive Committee for their support and stressed the importance of the decision for the athletes and the entire community.:
“On behalf of the European Sambo Federation, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the FIAS Executive Committee for their decision. The return of national flags and anthems to the national teams of Russia and Belarus is an important and long-awaited step that strengthens the unity of our continent and supports athletes who compete for the honor of their countries. This decision is of great importance for the entire European SAMBO family.: it restores justice, increases the motivation of athletes and contributes to the further development of our sport in Europe.”