3rd China University SAMBO Championship: Rising Level and Growing Interest

The 3rd China University Sambo Championship took place from November 12 to 15 in the Wuyi Mountain region. The tournament brought together nearly 300 athletes from 34 universities across the country – the largest number of participants in the history of the event. Over several days, competitors battled across various weight categories, delivering intense and engaging performances.

The opening day traditionally focused on education. FIAS international referee and Secretary General of the Hong Kong SAMBO Federation, Jeremia Ying Ka Fung, conducted a seminar for referees and coaches. Participants reviewed the latest SAMBO rules in detail, received practical guidance, and discussed key aspects of officiating – an important contribution to enhancing the quality of future competitions.

After the seminar, the tournament moved into its competitive phase. According to the organizers, the overall level of performance this year was noticeably higher than in the two previous editions.

The most significant progress was seen in the Combat SAMBO discipline, where athletes with backgrounds in various martial arts stepped onto the mats. Their strong fundamentals and fighting spirit made the bouts especially dynamic and exciting for spectators.

The driving force behind the championship, Secretary General of the Judo Department of the Chinese University Sports Association, Gong Maofu, emphasized that the athletes’ technical and tactical skills had improved significantly compared to last year. He noted that three consecutive years of hosting the championship have already produced visible results.

“More and more young people are discovering SAMBO and gaining a deeper understanding of this sport. Student interest continues to grow each year. I am confident that next year the championship will develop even further,” said Gong Maofu.