From 28 to 30 August 2026, the Greek city of Kozani hosted the Balkan SAMBO Championships. More than 150 athletes from five countries — Greece, Moldova, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina — gathered at the Vasilis Flegkas Municipal Indoor Sports Hall in Lefkovrysi.
During two competitive days, young sambists demonstrated excellent preparation, will to win and respect for their opponents.
The championship was organized by the Balkan Sambo Association and the Hellenic Federation Sambo, Kurash, Chidaoba with the support of local authorities. The organizers provided good conditions for athletes, coaches, referees and official guests.
The main idea of the Balkan Championship in Kozani: " One Sport. One Family. One Balkan“. These words were not just part of the official image of the championship. Their meaning was felt in the relations between athletes, coaches and heads of national federations: competitors on the mat, but partners in the common cause of sambo development.
The official opening ceremony brought together national delegations, representatives of sports organizations and friends of sambo. The flags of the participating countries, the presentation of the teams and the special cultural program emphasized the special atmosphere of the championship.
A special place in the championship program was given to children from the project “SOP SPORT SAMBO for development” (“SPORT SAMBO for the development of children with special educational needs”).
On August 28, before the start of the competition program, a Congress was held, during which representatives of national federations discussed the development, future sports calendar and opportunities for expanding cooperation between the Balkan countries.
The next Balkan Sambo Championship will be held on November 17-19, 2027 in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. The choice of Moldova was another important step towards strengthening a sustainable model in which national federations assume the responsibility and honor of hosting the main competition in the Balkan Sambo calendar.