Russian SAMBO wrestlers won 59 gold medals in 2026

This year, Russian SAMBO wrestlers have won 59 gold medals at international competitions. Mikhail Degtyarev, Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), said this in his greeting to the participants of the Russian President Vladimir Putin's SAMBO Cup on May 29.

"Since the beginning of this year, 85 Russian SAMBO wrestlers have competed in four international tournaments and won 95 medals, 59 of which are gold. Congratulations to them," said the Minister of Sports.

Degtyarev recalled that SAMBO has been developing in Russia as an Olympic sport since 2024. Today, 100,000 people in 32 regions of Russia are engaged in this type of struggle. The head of the Ministry of Sports pointed out that the International Sambo Federation was one of the first to allow Russian athletes to compete under the flag of the national team.

"And this, of course, is the merit of our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who is himself a master of sports in SAMBO and has great authority among all fans of martial arts," Degtyarev said.

The Minister of Sports also read out the address of the Russian leader to the participants of the sporting event, expressing confidence that the competitions will be held at a traditionally high level and will be remembered for honest and spectacular fights.

"Your tournament holds a special place among the most reputable martial arts competitions, because it unites professionals dedicated to serving the Law, protecting the national interests of the country, and ensuring the safety of citizens. And of course, I would like to note the great contribution of the organizers and participants of the Cup to the development of SAMBO, the promotion of the values of martial arts, a healthy and active lifestyle, especially among young people," the President's address says.

Degtyarev wished all participants to perform without injury, adding that for decades the Russian school has been educating champions of whom the country is proud.

Melee: Russia triumphed at the World Sambo Championships

20 medals provided our team with a confident victory in the team competition.

On May 19, the Lipetsk Region hosted the All-Russian SAMBO competitions among rural youth. Participants from 23 regions gathered in the village of Khmelinets to compete for the right to compete at the Russian Championship for the fourth time. The prizes of the competitions give the opportunity to compete at the All-Russian Championship. The championship will be held in Ufa in early June.