Roman Novikov Elected to Lead FIAS Commission for Athletes with Different Abilities, Assumes Role of Vice President

A pivotal meeting of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Different Abilities was held on November 18. The central item on the agenda was the election of its Chairperson, a role that now carries significant new weight within the global SAMBO structure. This enhanced status follows amendments to the FIAS Statutes ratified at the 2025 Congress in Bishkek, which grant the Commission's Chairperson an automatic position as a Vice-President of the International SAMBO Federation.

The session was attended by Commission members: Kim Myoungjoo, Mark Trompp, Vasily Emelianov, Vladimir Eledinov, Roman Novikov и Ruslan Bektashev. Also participating was FIAS Acting Secretary General, Alexander Korsik.

The current Commission Head, Roman Novikov, who has led the body for the past four years, presented a report on its activities. In his address, he highlighted key achievements that have elevated SAMBO for athletes with impairments to a new level. These include the successful integration of Blind SAMBO into continental championship programs and its subsequent inclusion in the World Championships, as well as the strategically vital recognition of FIAS by the International Paralympic Committee as a Recognized International Federation.

Following the report, the election for the Chairperson of the FIAS Commission for Athletes with Different Abilities took place. The session participants unanimously endorsed Novikov's candidacy for a new term. Consequently, Roman Novikov was not only re-elected as Chairperson of the Commission but also becomes a FIAS Vice-President.

"This is not just an appointment; it is a great responsibility and a powerful incentive for the further development of SAMBO for athletes with impairments worldwide," remarked the new FIAS Vice-President, Roman Novikov. "We have proven that our sport is open to everyone, and now our shared task is to bring it to the most prominent international stages, including the Paralympic Games. Together, we are capable of achieving more."