The event, scheduled to take place at the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council town's Seven Towers Leisure Centre on September 29, is expected to attract around 80 athletes from 10 countries.

It will mark the first time that Northern Ireland will have hosted such a prestigious international sambo tournament.

"These games are a first for Northern Ireland and we are delighted that Mid and East Antrim is the preferred location," the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, said.

"Our sports facilities are outstanding and we are more than capable of delivering a first-class and memorable sambo event.

"The tournament supports our tourism effort and will help us reach a new international market of several hundred million.

"There is also an immediate economic benefit to hosting the games in Ballymena with the promise of fully booked hotels and restaurants."

Eight international sides are due compete in the team event, while 16 leading international athletes will contest the Combat Sambo Grand Slam.

Nations already signed up for the tournament include Canada, England, France, Ghana, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

Every year, there are more than 30 major sambo competitions held under the auspices of FIAS.

The world governing body is aiming to spread the word about sambo in Northern Ireland, showing what is it capable of delivering for young children right up to people aged 50 and over.

The FIAS President's Sambo Cup is traditionally held in Great Britain.

Last year’s tournament took place at the SportsDock at the University of East London.

Russia won their fourth consecutive title with a stunning win over Britain in the final.