The world's top-ranked female sambo heavyweight, Sydney Sy Tancontian, is set to defend her title at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, which begin on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
Tancontian's Road to Defense
The 27-year-old athlete from Davao City holds the world No. 1 position in the +80kg category. She is the daughter of Pilipinas Sambo Federation (PSF) president Paolo Tancontian. In a news release on Monday, June 22, Sy expressed relief that her father's health has improved significantly, allowing her to focus entirely on the competition.
“Thank God, my father’s health has greatly improved and is now addressing the details of the tournament so I can now focus on taking part in the competition,” said Sy.
Last year, Sy defeated Mongolian Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir to win the gold medal in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her teammate Aislynn Yap also secured gold in the women's -80kg combat class.
Home Advantage and High Expectations
Tancontian, who also serves as chairperson of the International Sambo Federation Athletes Commission, expressed confidence ahead of the tournament. “I have already seen the draw in my weight class and, with the help of the hometown crowd, we believe I have a strong chance of becoming the champion once again,” she said.
The event is expected to draw over 500 athletes from 31 countries. It is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under the aegis of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee.
Inspiration for the National Team
Paolo Tancontian highlighted the motivational impact of his daughter's participation. “Sydney’s participation is a big inspiration to the national team and country. If she’s there, the confidence of her teammates is different,” he said.
Tickets for the four-day championship are priced at PHP 100 each and are available at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium ticket booths. The PSF president emphasized affordability, stating, “We made the ticket price very affordable for sports fans because this event will not only be a treat in watching the best of our grapplers from Asia and Oceania in action but also a chance to root for our own grapplers as well.”
He added, “This is our chance to support our good sambo athletes for the country’s honor.”
How to Follow the Event
For those unable to attend in person, the championships can be followed live via the sambo.live website and through Facebook Live on the official PSC and PSF pages.
