Notable figures such as the President of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Vasily Shestakov, legendary mixed martial arts fighter Fedor Emelianenko, and the head of the State Agency for Physical Culture and Sports of Kyrgyzstan, Kazibek Moldazhiyev, attended the event.
During the discussion, the participants focused on the organizational aspects of the championship. Kazibek Moldazhiyev noted that the competitions will take place in one of the sports complexes in Bishkek; however, spectators will not be able to attend as the matches will be broadcast live.
The head of the agency emphasized that sambo is a priority sport in the country and expressed readiness for further cooperation with Russia in terms of experience exchange. Additionally, he mentioned plans to invite other well-known world-class athletes to Kyrgyzstan.
Fedor Emelianenko, who visited Kyrgyzstan for the first time, positively assessed the preparation of local sambists but noted that they lack persistence in decisive fights. He also expressed a desire for the possibility of holding training camps at Issyk-Kul.
“I hope for spectacular, fair, and clean matches at the championship,” added Emelianenko.
He also noted that sambo is not just a martial art but also a reflection of human values.
Vasily Shestakov, for his part, spoke about the growing popularity of sambo, combat sambo, and beach sambo around the world. He emphasized that “Sambo is family, family is strength, and strength is peace!” Under this slogan, tournaments in this sport are held.
