Official Statement of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS)

Guided by the fundamental principles of sport which affirm its neutrality, independence, and freedom from political influence, the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) has consistently sought to preserve the unity of the global SAMBO community during a period of complex international challenges. Our enduring commitment is to protect the interests of sport and athletes, ensuring fairness and safety in competition for all.

As part of this consistent policy, the FIAS Executive Committee, at its meeting on October 3, 2025, in Bogor (Indonesia), decided to allow athletes from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to compete under their national flags at international youth and junior competitions. Guided by the principle of equal treatment for all national federations, the Executive Committee, at its meeting on December 4, 2025, resolved to extend this practice to all age categories. Consequently, starting January 1, 2026, athletes from Russia and Belarus will have the right to compete under their national flags and with their national anthems at all FIAS-sanctioned international competitions.

«Since 2022, unlike the decisions of many international sports federations, FIAS has consistently allowed athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete in a neutral status, based on the conviction that sport must remain outside of politics. Sport is a bridge for dialogue and mutual understanding between peoples, even in difficult times. We have continued this course, first by reinstating national symbols for juniors, and now for all athletes. This decision returns the situation to the legal framework based on equal rights for all members of our federation», – noted FIAS President Vasily Shestakov.

The decision reflects FIAS's confidence in its ethical principles and its role as a global sports organization. It reinforces our commitment to the values of fairness, inclusivity, and respect. SAMBO, with its roots in the ideas of friendship and mutual respect, will continue to promote solidarity and peace through sport.

Official Statement of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS)