Etchells received his award from International Sambo Federation (FIAS) President Vasily Shestakov during the Opening Ceremony of the World Cup at the Druzhba Multipurpose Arena in Russia's capital.

Etchells, who has been working for the world's leading Olympic news website since September 2014, has built up a reputation for his quality and in-depth coverage of the sport.

During 2015, the 27-year-old Etchells covered major sambo events in Zagreb and Baku, as well as the second edition of The President's Cup, which took place in Manchester.

He then provided comprehensive coverage of the World Sambo Championships in Casablanca, producing a blog at the conclusion of the competition.

Etchells also had an exclusive interview with Shestakov, where he discussed the martial art's hopes of being recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

“It’s a real honour to receive this award, especially from the FIAS President Vasily Shestakov," said Etchells. 

“Having covered several sambo events since joining insidethegames, it’s become clear to me that the sport has very big ambitions.

“Sambo is striving to one day feature on the Olympic programme and if my coverage of the sport can help towards achieving that goal in any way, shape or form, I’d be delighted.”

insidethegames' managing director Sarah Bowron led the praise for Etchells.

"I am delighted that Daniel has been rewarded in this way for his hardwork in covering sambo throughout the world for insidethegames," she said. 

"To be internationally-recognised at such a young age is a great achievement.

"We are all very proud of Daniel."

The recognition of his work comes after senior reporter Nick Butler came third in the Journalistic Weblog category at the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Sport Media Pearl Awards in December.

Last year, insidethegames chief columnist David Owen won Best Freelance Writer in Online Media Awards and insidethegames received a Commendation in the Best Commercial Innovation category.