Debutant Nigeria among 80 nations at 2024 World Sambo Championships

Debutant Nigerian team will engage in intense competition against athletes across 80 countries at the 2024 World Sambo Championships, billed to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from November 6 to 10, 2024. Nigeria’s inclusion at the world championship came on the heels of her successful debut at the African Beach Sambo Championships in Morocco. The […]

Debutant Nigerian team will engage in intense competition against athletes across 80 countries at the 2024 World Sambo Championships, billed to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from November 6 to 10, 2024.

Nigeria’s inclusion at the world championship came on the heels of her successful debut at the African Beach Sambo Championships in Morocco.

The world tournament will feature men’s and women’s sport Sambo, men’s and women’s combat Sambo, and men’s SVI-1 (totally blind athletes) blind Sambo.

It will take place at the Wrestling Palace named after Zhaksylyk Ushkempirov Martial Arts Palace in Astana.

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Sheriff Hammed, Vice President and General Secretary of the Sambo Association of Nigeria, expressed satisfaction over the inclusion of Nigeria to feature at the world championship.

“It’s going to do a lot and it’s giving them hope. What this means to me, with their challenge, they’re not deprived of anything, that can make a living, do something for themselves, and make themselves proud and it’s quite amazing,” he said.

Hammed stressed the need for funding and sponsorships to support more athletes. 

“Currently, the participation is self-sponsored, and we are seeking collaboration from government and private organizations,” he said.

A significant highlight of the 2024 World Sambo Championships is the inclusion of women in combat Sambo for the first time and the participation of blind athletes. The event will also serve as the final qualifying tournament for the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.

Nigeria will be the only African country presenting a competitor in the blind event, with Samuel Oladele Kekere as the sole representative.