PANAGYURISHTE, Bulgaria — From February 28 to March 1, 2026, the Bulgarian National Youth and Juniors Sambo Championship was held in Bulgaria. Held at the Asarel Arena, the tournament became a key event in the national calendar, identifying the strongest sambistswho will represent the country at the main international arenas this year.
The competition covered two age groups: 16-18 and 18-20. The scale of the competition confirmed the high popularity of sambo in the country. Representatives from 26 sports clubs from across Bulgaria participated, with the total number of participants exceeding 300.
The level of competition deserves special attention: over 30 athletes in individual weight categories were competing for medals. Such a dense field of participants required the future champions to demonstrate not only impeccable technique but also exceptional endurance, as the path to the final lay through a series of intense bouts.
“This tournament demonstrated the excellent work of the Bulgarian clubs. We witnessed intense competition and truly uncompromising struggle. The teams formed as a result of the competition possess potential, and we are counting on our sambists to achieve high results at the European and world levels,” commented the coaching staff.
The 2026 Bulgarian Championship once again demonstrated that the continuity of the Bulgarian Sambo school’s traditions remains intact, and that the young generation is ready to proudly defend the flag at major international competitions.