The 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under the NST-IAC, is set to boost local sports tourism when it kicks off on June 23, 2026, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Rising Participation
Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. president Paolo Tancontian shared that initial estimates of 500 athletes have been surpassed, with around 400 already registered. "We could end up with over 600 grapplers from 31 countries," he said. Cambodia, known for its thriving sambo community, is fielding a 42-member squad aiming to make an impact in the five-day event sanctioned by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS). Tancontian noted that while these numbers may seem modest for team sports, they represent a significant turnout for sambo.
International Interest
Countries from distant regions, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Iran, Syria, Australia, and New Zealand, have shown keen interest in joining the tournament. This widespread participation underscores the event's growing prestige.
Economic Impact
PSC chairman Patrick "Pato" Gregorio emphasized that hosting a well-organized international competition is a worthwhile economic endeavor. "Sports events like these are win-win situations for all: the foreign visitors, fans, and the various stakeholders involved in staging them," he said. The championships are expected to generate income for both the government and the tourism industry, further validating the PSC's advocacy for sports tourism.
