Russian Lotkova won gold at the SAMBO World Cup

Russian SAMBO wrestler Vera Lotkova became the winner of the World Cup, which is being held in Yerevan. In the final of the women's combat sambo tournament in the weight category up to 54 kg, she was stronger than the athlete from Kyrgyzstan, Uson Akak.

According to tradition, Lotkova dedicated the victory to her father, who is located in her military area.

"My dad has been serving in the military training area for the third year, but he always tries to follow my SAMBO performances, tries to get in touch, turn on the broadcast. Of course, it's not always possible, it doesn't always work out, but I definitely send him videos of my fights later. He's really rooting for me, he's worried about me. Now I will definitely write to him and, if possible, we will call him via video link and tell him about my victory," Lotkova told Izvestia immediately after the final bout.

Lotkova also noted the high level of organization of the World Cup in Yerevan.

"This is the third time I have participated in SAMBO competitions in Yerevan, and everything is always very well organized here. I would also like to mention the fans who create an incredible atmosphere in the stands. The support is tremendous. Even though you're from another country, they still shout and support you. It's very pleasant," Lotkova summed up.

The SAMBO World Cup started in Yerevan on June 7 and will last until June 8.

Medals in sports and combat sambo competitions among men and women in 28 weight categories will be awarded at the tournament. The winners will receive a prize of $3,000, the runners—up will earn $2,000 each, and the bronze medalists will earn $1,000 each. The total prize fund of the tournament will be $196 thousand.

Last November, Lotkova became the first ever world champion in combat sambo. The discipline "women's combat sambo" was included for the first time in the program of the world championship, which is taking place these days in Astana. In the final match in the weight category up to 54 kg, the Russian defeated Gulsevar Urakova from Uzbekistan and dedicated her triumph to her father, who has been on his own for two years.