Philippines Set to Host Major 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila
MANILA – The Philippines has been selected to host the highly anticipated Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships, scheduled to take place from June 23 to 28, 2026, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. This prestigious event is organized under the guidance of the National Sports Tourism–Inter Agency Committee (NST‑IAC), led by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson John Patrick Gregorio, whose involvement underscores the tournament's significant role in the nation's international sports agenda.
Boosting Sambo's Profile in the Philippines
In a news release issued on Friday, April 17, 2026, Gregorio emphasized the importance of this event for promoting sambo in the country. "Sambo is a sport that requires greater exposure in the Philippines. While it is not currently an Olympic sport, it features prominently in the World Games and Asian Games, and we are optimistic that grassroots development initiatives will help it thrive here," he stated. The championships are sanctioned by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) and the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania (SUAO), ensuring high standards of competition.
Elite Competition and Inspirational Athletes
The tournament will attract top-tier athletes from 29 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and South Korea, as well as leading competitors from Oceania. Participants will compete for 72 gold medals across youth, junior, and adult divisions. Paolo Tancontian, President of the Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PSFI), highlighted the federation's achievements, noting, "Over our 10-year history as an association, we have produced world-class talents like Sydney Tancontian, who became a world No. 1 and Asian champion. We hope her success inspires young athletes as we host this championship."
Diverse Sambo Disciplines and Economic Impact
The event will showcase two main sambo disciplines: sport sambo, which focuses on throws, submissions, and ground control, and combat sambo, a dynamic hybrid that incorporates strikes, kicks, and grappling techniques. With over 500 delegates expected to attend, the championships are projected to significantly enhance Manila's reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. The competition will also highlight the city's rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks, providing an economic boost to the local economy.
Support from Sports Leadership
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino expressed pride in hosting the tournament, stating, "We are honored to host this event. Without the efforts of Pilipinas Sambo and the PSC, sambo would not have such a prominent platform in the Philippines. We commend their aggressive approach in organizing and hosting international competitions like this one." The launch event at Century Park Hotel in Manila was attended by key figures, including POC Secretary General Lawyer Wharton Chan and PSC Commissioner Matthew "Fritz" Gaston, further solidifying the collaborative support for the championships.
