The Rosneft Online Sambo Cup will ask competitors to successfully identify sambo techniques ©FIAS

The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) has held a friendly competition between two world champions, Stepan Popov and Uali Kurzhev, on the eve of its new online tournament.

The battle of minds came as the FIAS is preparing to launch its Online SAMBO Cup, which is set to be held from June 20 to July 18, and showcased the competition.

The two rivals removed squares in an attempt to guess the martial arts move being conducted underneath the tiles, with some squares also requiring athletes to perform exercises shown on the screen.

Kurzhev came out on top on this occasion, correctly identifying the inner thigh reap manoeuvre. 


The FIAS posted on Instagram details of how the sambo community could face Kurzhev in another match.

To be eligible, users must follow the FIAS Instagram account, leave a comment under the post and tag two friends by June 19.

The Online Sambo Cup will feature quizzes, with competitors being challenged on their knowledge of sambo techniques.

Opening stages will be held in Europe on June 20 and 21, June 27 in Africa, July 4 and 5 in Asia and July 11 and 12 in the Americas.

Super finals for the best players from across the continents will be held on July 18.