The Philippines received international recognition after successfully hosting the 11th Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships for the first time, showcasing its capability to stage world-class sporting events while Team Philippines collected 15 medals in the four-day tournament.
Held from June 25 to 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the continental championship brought together top SAMBO athletes from across Asia and Oceania. Aside from the competition, the event highlighted the country’s efforts to promote sports tourism and strengthen grassroots sports development.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio said hosting international tournaments provides long-term benefits beyond the medals.
“It boosts local tourism, inspires the next generation of athletes, and strengthens grassroots sports development,” Gregorio said.
Team Philippines finished the tournament with three gold, three silver, and nine bronze medals across the Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions.
The country’s hosting efforts also drew commendation from the international SAMBO community. During the Chairman’s Night, SAMBO Union of Asia and Oceania President Alamjon Mullaev presented tokens of appreciation to Gregorio and Philippine Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancontian in recognition of the successful organization of the championships.
The event also marked the first official gathering at the newly inaugurated PSC House, attended by international delegates, PSC Commissioner Matthew Gaston, national sports officials, and members of the Philippine SAMBO community.
Among the standout performances was defending champion Sydney Sy, who captured the silver medal in the Women’s Sport SAMBO +80kg division after falling to Kazakhstan’s Arailym Abenova in the gold medal match.
Despite missing out on back-to-back titles, Sy expressed pride in the sport’s progress in the country.
“Very proud and thankful po. Every time nakikita ko ang venue, nakikita ko rin kung gaano na kalayo ang narating ng SAMBO,” she said.
The Philippines’ three gold medals came from Aumaegel Princess Cortez (59kg), Jomary Torres (50kg), and Aislinn Yap (80kg) in the Adult Combat SAMBO division.
The national team also secured silver medals through Sophia Nicole Novino (Youth Sport Sambo, 47kg), Sydney Sy (Adult Sport Sambo, +80kg), and Jasmaine Ching (Adult Sport Sambo, 54kg), while nine other Filipino athletes contributed bronze medals across the Youth, Junior, Adult Sport, and Adult Combat divisions.
Filipino supporters filled the Ninoy Aquino Stadium throughout the tournament, providing strong home-crowd support for the national team.
The successful hosting and Team Philippines’ medal haul further reinforced the country’s growing reputation as a capable venue for major international sporting events and its commitment to developing martial arts in the Philippines. – ALONA COCHON
