LNSPORTS | Official Media Coverage
THESSALONIKI, GREECE — The World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships 2026 has officially opened at the PAOK Sports Arena in Thessaloniki, Greece, welcoming a record 713 athletes from 40 countries in a landmark edition of the international competition.
The opening ceremony featured an address by International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) President Vasily Shestakov, who welcomed the young athletes and announced that the tournament had achieved a record number of participating countries in the event’s history.
“Over the course of three days, 713 athletes from 40 countries will step onto the mats of PAOK Sports Arena to compete for the title of the strongest athletes on the planet,” Shestakov said, highlighting the historic scale of this year’s championship.
55 Sets of Medals Up for Grabs
The three-day championship features a comprehensive competition programme designed to showcase emerging talent across several divisions of SAMBO.
The events include Sport SAMBO for cadets, boys and girls; youth, men and women; and juniors, men and women. The programme also includes Combat SAMBO for junior men.
A total of 55 sets of medals will be awarded throughout the championship, giving young competitors the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, discipline and determination on the world stage.
Addressing the participants, Shestakov emphasised the importance of the event in shaping the future careers of young athletes.
“For many of you, this World Championships will be an important step in your sporting career,” he said, noting that every medal represents the dedication and hard work required to compete at the highest level.
Greece Provides a Symbolic Stage for Global SAMBO
Hosting the championship in Greece carries particular significance because of the country’s historical connection to the Olympic Games and the ideals of international sporting competition.
Shestakov described Thessaloniki as a fitting venue for an event that brings together athletes from different nations and cultures through sport.
He also encouraged the competitors to serve as ambassadors of friendship, respect and fair competition, underlining the role of sport in building international connections among young people.
A Landmark Championship for the Next Generation
With 713 athletes representing 40 countries, the 2026 edition marks a significant milestone for the World Cadet, Youth and Junior SAMBO Championships.
Over the next three days, competitors will battle for world titles across the scheduled disciplines and weight categories, with the championship providing an important platform for the next generation of international SAMBO talent.
LNSPORTS will continue to bring you the latest championship updates, results and medal highlights from Thessaloniki, Greece.