By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 23, 2025

The President of the International Sambo Federation has praised Nigeria’s blind and visually impaired sambo athletes, describing them as true role models whose courage and determination demonstrate that human potential transcends physical boundaries.

FIAS President Vasily Shestakov made the commendation following a training session held at Rowe Park Dojo in Lagos, where blind and visually impaired sambists trained to refine their techniques and build strength.

“Our athletes command deep respect. Their courage and determination clearly show that human potential goes far beyond physical boundaries,” Shestakov said.

The training session featured both men and women taking to the mat, with Sheriff Hamed, Vice President and Secretary General of the Nigerian Sambo Federation, expressing admiration for their dedication.

“They may not see the mat, but they feel every move, every victory, every moment. These training sessions show that no barrier can stop true determination,” Hamed said.

The recognition comes as FIAS continues to prioritise the development of Sambo for blind and visually impaired athletes across all continents, with Nigeria emerging as a vivid example of this global effort.

FIAS’s recognition by the International Paralympic Committee as a Recognised International Federation marked an important milestone for the movement, confirming the significance of the work done to develop Sambo for blind and visually impaired athletes.

Over the past two years, the discipline has firmly established itself on the international sports calendar. In 2023, competitions for blind and visually impaired sambists were included for the first time in the Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships in Astana, and later featured at the World Combat Games in Riyadh.

In 2024, medals in this discipline were awarded at the World Sambo Championships for the very first time, with the Kazakh capital hosting the historic moment.

Blind Sambo competitions will continue to gain prominence in 2025, with events scheduled for the World Championships programme in Kyrgyzstan.

Source Punch Ng

Posted August 23, 2025

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