International SAMBO Federation - FIAS

DURÓ ISTVÁN MEMORIAL BRINGS BEACH SAMBO FANS TOGETHER IN BUDAPEST

The traditional Duró István Memorial International Beach SAMBO Tournament took place on 26th July on Római Beach in Budapest. The event was organised by the Hungarian SAMBO Federation, with the Miamor club once again serving as host venue.

The tournament, which draws athletes from across Europe every year, welcomed teams from Israel and Romania this year, adding to a strong Hungarian contingent. Medals were contested in ten weight categories.

The field was impressive both in numbers – with up to 14 athletes competing for medals in some categories – and in quality, with numerous European SAMBO Championships medalists among the competitors.

Among the home athletes, Frigyes Szabó was the standout performer, securing three victories by early stoppage.

Imre Papp, President of the Hungarian SAMBO Federation, explained the significance behind the tournament and shared plans for its future.

“We want to honor the memory of our tragically deceased athlete with dignity, and this tournament has become a genuine tradition. It is a special pleasure for me that my student Gergely Pálinkás took part in the competition – he competed in the very first Beach SAMBO tournament, and today he leads Hungary's national weightlifting team as head coach. I would also like to thank Viorel Gâscă, President of the Romanian SAMBO Federation, and Shay Gayzinger, Secretary General of the Israeli SAMBO Federation, for their personal visit – it is an honour for us,” said Imre Papp.

The organizers make no secret of their ambitions: they hope that in the future the Duró István Memorial could gain higher international status as a European Cup event – and, further down the line, potentially host the first-ever European Beach SAMBO Championships.

INDONESIA SAMBO FEDERATION HOLDS TOURNAMENTS IN SOUTH SUMATRA AND SOUTH KALIMANTAN

Two SAMBO tournaments took place simultaneously in the provinces of South Sumatra and South Kalimantan, running from 25 to 26 July. The competitions were organized by the Indonesia SAMBO Federation together with its regional chapters.

In Palembang, the capital of South Sumatra, athletes gathered for the Open Governor of South Sumatra Cup 2026. Over the course of two days, cadet, junior and senior competitors took to the mats.

“The program included contests across a range of age and weight categories, along with a dedicated Blind SAMBO segment, reflecting the Federation's commitment to both sporting excellence and inclusive participation,” the Indonesia SAMBO Federation said in a statement.

At the same time, the 2026 regional championship was held in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan, on July 25-26. The event brought together clubs and youth sports programs from across the region, giving athletes the chance to gain competitive experience and prepare for higher-level events.

According to the Indonesia SAMBO Federation, the two tournaments attracted more than 500 athletes in total, including 30 competitors in Blind SAMBO.

“This turnout reflects the growing interest in SAMBO across Indonesia, as well as increasing support for adaptive sport in the country,” the national federation reported.

Indonesia SAMBO Federation President Krisna Bayu praised the regional chapters for their dedication and hard work in developing the sport at the grassroots level, noting that their efforts play a key role in SAMBO's continued growth and rising popularity.

He added that the Indonesia SAMBO Federation will keep working to expand participation, support athlete development, and promote SAMBO as a sport that is competitive, inclusive and accessible to all.

JUAN SEBASTIAN CONTRERAS: “EVERY MATCH BUILT MY CONFIDENCE”

At the 2026 Pan American SAMBO Championships, held in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Colombia's Juan Sebastian Contreras Silva claimed gold in the men's -79kg Combat SAMBO category. For the athlete, this victory marked his fourth Pan American title, and his third in a row.

“This is something incredible. I've now won the Pan American Championships for the fourth time – and the third time in a row. Honestly, going into the tournament I was worried it would be really hard to win again, but every match built my confidence. I had a tough semi-final against a Mexican opponent, it wasn't easy. I gave up a few attacks, but I already understood what I needed to do to turn things around – and I managed it. I know my own capabilities well, I kept improving as the tournament went on, and in the end I was able to fully show what I've got in the final,” the champion said.

A special place in the athlete's words was reserved for the memory of a close friend.

“I'm dedicating this championship win to my friend who, sadly, is no longer with us – Andres. I love him so much. He always supported me, he was always there for me. I'm also dedicating this to my grandmother and grandfather – one part is for them, and the other is for my friend,” Contreras shared.

Asked about the toughest part of the tournament, the athlete said the real challenge came in the preparation – a process of working on himself throughout.

“The hardest part was staying focused the whole way through the preparation – first in training before the tournament, and then holding on to my mental composure once I was actually at the competition venue. Now I've got that experience, I've learned to handle anxiety, to know when to push and when to take a breath at the right moment. And most importantly, to enjoy what I'm doing. I'm managing that, although there's still a lot of work ahead, because I dream of winning a world championship medal. But on the day I won the Pan American title, I just want to say that I love my sport, I love the whole of the Americas, and this – this is Colombia,” said Juan Sebastian Contreras.

NICOLE CASTRO: “FIVE YEARS RUNNING AT THE TOP OF THE PAN AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS”

At the 2026 Pan American SAMBO Championships, held in Alajuela, Costa Rica, Costa Rica's Nicole Castro claimed gold in the women's -80kg Combat SAMBO category. For the athlete, this marked her fifth consecutive continental title.

“This is now the fifth time in a row I've won the Pan American SAMBO Championships. But it still feels just as intense as the first time – I feel really happy,” the champion shared.

Every final is different, and this year Ecuador's Fiona Coronel gave the Costa Rican a real surprise.

“What was different this time... I think it's because I really had no idea what to expect, since it was the first time I'd faced this athlete in a final. I didn't know she'd come at me with strikes as well as throws, and that she'd be so strong on the ground too. So I think that's exactly it – coming up against someone completely new to me. Usually in our categories we all know each other well, but this time everything was a genuine surprise. I think that was really the main challenge,” Castro said.

Asked about the toughest moment of the fight, the athlete recalled the point when she took a strike to the face.

“I think I just took a hit right to the lips. And yeah, that hurt,” she admitted with a smile.
The Costa Rican dedicated her victory to her team, her loved ones, and her coach.

“This win is for everyone – for my national teammates, of course, and for my training partners at the academy, because without them I wouldn't be anything at all: they're the ones who help me grow every day. It's for my family, who are always there supporting me and watching everything so closely. And it's for my boyfriend too – he's always so attentive, pushing me to train and helping me with everything,” said Nicole Castro.