By Duncan Mackay at the Traktor Sport Arena in Chelyabinsk


A deal to work together has been signed by Marius Vizer and Vasily Shestakov, the Presidents of the International Judo Federation and International Sambo Federation ©IJFSambo completed a good few days for the sport when it officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Judo Federation (IJF) here today.


The ceremony followed the confirmation on Friday (August 29) that sambo had been added to the inaugural European Games in Baku next year. 


This new deal, signed between IJF President Marius Vizer and International Sambo Federation (FIAS) chief Vasily Shestakov here on the final day of the World Juod Championships, had been under discussion for several months.


It will see the two organisations working closely together to develop their work in integrity, media and marketing.

The new agreement is being hailed by sambo as another important step forward in its bid to be recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and, ultimately, win a place on the Olympic Games programme.

"After long conversations with my colleague from the International Sambo Federation  we reached an agreement with sambo," said Vizer.

"This is a one-year cooperation that can then be extended.

"We will help each other to develop our sports with friendship, in the fields of marketing, media and sports development."

The close relationship between the IJF and the International Sambo Federation was illustrated when FIAS President Vasiliy Shestakov (right) was invited to present one of the medals during the World Judo Championships in Chelyabinsk ©IJFThe close relationship between the IJF and the International Sambo Federation was illustrated when FIAS President Vasiliy Shestakov (right) was invited to present one of the medals during the World Judo Championships in Chelyabinsk ©IJF

Sambo is a relatively modern sport since its development began in the 1930s by the Soviet Red Army to improve their hand-to-hand combat abilities.

Intended to be a merger of the most effective techniques of other martial arts, sambo has its roots in judo.

But judo has been much more successful internationally and Shestakov hopes this new agreement will help them reach the same levels.

"Sambo and judo are fraternal sports - brothers even - and we want to reach the same level as judo," said Shestakov.

"The organisation of the IJF under the leadership of Mr Vizer is an example to be followed.

"As he is also the President of SportAccord, he promotes all the sports and we are part of that family."

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