As part of the ongoing effort to expand the geography of sambo in Europe, a working meeting was held between European Sambo Federation (ESF) President Sergey Eliseev and Vadim Kolganov, a representative of the British sambo community. The meeting focused on key aspects of popularizing the discipline in the United Kingdom and developing a roadmap for the coming years. The meeting took place at the International Sambo Centre in Moscow.
The United Kingdom has a long tradition in combat sports, and today, British sambo demonstrates potential for growth. During the constructive dialogue, the parties discussed in detail the current state of affairs and the barriers that need to be overcome for the sport to develop more dynamically in the region.
The meeting focused on integrating British athletes into the international tournament system and improving the qualifications of national athletes. ESF President Sergey Eliseev noted that a comprehensive approach, encompassing three key areas, is essential for the successful future of sambo in the UK:
1. Education and Certification: Plans were discussed to organize methodological seminars for coaches and referees in the UK. This will allow local specialists to work in accordance with current international FIAS standards.
2. Development of Youth Sports: The parties outlined ways to attract young people by expanding the club network. It was emphasized that Sambo is not only a sport but also a system of personal development, a fact that resonates strongly with their British colleagues.
3. Competition Calendar: the issues of the British side’s participation in competitions included in the international competition calendar were discussed in advance.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to establish a joint working group to implement these plans. The ESF President emphasized that the UK is an important strategic partner, and the development of Sambo in the country will significantly contribute to strengthening the discipline’s image across the continent.
This meeting was an important step toward strengthening the unity of the European Sambo family and opened new horizons for athletes from the United Kingdom.