Russia, in a bid to strengthen its relationship with Ethiopia, opened the East African country’s first Sambo center to promote collaboration in sports and science.
Sambo is a contemporary fighting sport and self-defense practice developed in the Soviet Union during the 1920s. The word “Sambo” comes from the Russian acronym “SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya,” which means “self-defense without weapons.” It mixes aspects of judo, wrestling, and traditional martial arts, with two primary styles.
The Karpinsky Russian Geological Research Institute established the new Sambo center in Ethiopia.
As reported by the Russian newspaper Sputnik, the new facility, which is part of the “Sambo in Granite” worldwide initiative, intends to promote the combat sport of sambo to Ethiopians of all ages.
This was made known by the renowned Russian instructor Mikhail Rakhlin, president of the judo club Turbostroitel and President of the Judo Federation of St Petersburg.
“It was so important for me to be here. Science and sport, geology, and Sambo, are areas that are well-developed in our country. We are ready to share our experience with you because we are successful in this, and we want you to become more successful,” Rakhlin told Ethiopian media.
The Russian instructor expressed optimism that the center would foster trust and respect between the two countries. He intends to start with adult and student classes, with the eventual objective of bringing sambo to Ethiopian youths.
“We have made plans with Ethiopian athletes, and Russian specialists. In the short term, our primary goal is for Ethiopians to participate in the African Championship. In the long term, we certainly hope to see African athletes competing in the World Sambo Championship,” said Pavel Khimchenko, Director-General of the Karpinsky Institute.
Sambo in Africa
According to the International Sambo Federation, Sambo history in Africa began in 1987, when Mr. Dalil Skalli, presently President of the African Sambo Confederation (CAS), established Morocco’s national committee on Sambo.
That year, one of the first World Cups was held in Casablanca (Morocco), with the Moroccan national team finishing third after winning two gold medals and one bronze. In 2003, the committee changed its name to the Sambo Federation of Morocco.
