he Second China University Sambo Championship was held in Changchun. FIAS

The 2nd China University Sambo Championship was held from 10-14 July in Changchun. About 60 coaches and more than 300 sambists from different regions of the country took part in the event, which consisted of educational and competitive blocks.

The first two days of the event were dedicated to training. FIAS international category referee Jeremia Ying Ka Fung, who is also the Secretary General of the Hong Kong SAMBO Federation, conducted a two-day referee seminar on the SAMBO rules.

After two days of theory, the Chinese specialists were able to try their hand at practice – working as a referee at the matches of the national SAMBO championship among universities under the guidance of their mentor. Athletes competed for medals among men and women in Sport and Combat SAMBO competitions.


FIAS international category referee Jeremia Ying Ka Fung conducted a two-day referee seminar on the SAMBO rules. FIAS
FIAS international category referee Jeremia Ying Ka Fung conducted a two-day referee seminar on the SAMBO rules. FIAS


Sambists at the tournament were observed by high-ranking guests: Director of the Beijing General Administration of Sports Cao Tao, Vice-Chairman of the East Asian Judo Association, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese Judo Association Xiong Fengshan and Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and President of the Jilin Provincial Police College Liu Jinghui.

The Secretary General of the Judo Department of the Chinese University Sports Association, Gong Maofu, made a great contribution to the tournament. Working closely with the International SAMBO Federation for many years, he laid the foundation for the development of the sport in China, which allowed the country's first-ever university championship to be held last December.


The first two days of the event were dedicated to training. FIAS
The first two days of the event were dedicated to training. FIAS


According to Suresh Gopi, 1st Vice President and General Director of the SAMBO Union of Asia and Oceania, the holding of the second championship instills confidence that SAMBO is gaining recognition in China. 

"The large number of participants among athletes, as well as among referees and coaches, indicates the high interest of Chinese sports in SAMBO. The event was organised at a high level and will certainly become an incentive to attract even more people to practice our favorite martial arts," said Gopi.