Philippine Sambo Team Primed for Historic Run in Asia-Oceania Championships
Philippine Sambo Team Primed for Historic Run in Asia-Oceania Championships
The Philippines is set to take center stage in the international sambo scene as the country's top grapplers begin their campaign in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Backed by months of intensive preparation, the 40-member national team enters the prestigious tournament with high hopes of delivering strong performances against nearly 500 athletes from 22 countries across Asia and Oceania.
National head coach Ace Larida expressed confidence in the readiness of the Filipino delegation, emphasizing that the athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge after six months of rigorous training.
Hosting the continental competition for the first time in years presents a unique opportunity for Team Philippines to showcase its progress in the combat sport while competing before a home crowd.
Leading the national squad are reigning champions Sydney Sy and Aislyn Agnes Yap, who are determined to defend their respective titles. Sy will seek another gold medal in the women's +80kg sport sambo division, while Yap aims to retain her crown in the women's -80kg combat sambo category.
Also expected to contend for podium finishes are world-ranked standout Jomary Torres in the women's -50kg combat division and promising young athlete Sophia Novino in the women's -47kg youth class.
Another athlete drawing attention is former Southeast Asian Games judo bronze medalist Carl Aneseta, who will make his international sambo debut in the men's +98kg sport sambo event. Aneseta believes his judo background will help him adjust quickly to the demands of the sport as he seeks to make an immediate impact on the international stage.
Tournament organizers have also received praise for their preparations. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio commended the organizing committee led by Pilipinas Sambo Federation President Paolo Tancontian, noting that the event is expected to become another milestone in Philippine sports hosting.
The four-day championship not only highlights the country's growing strength in sambo but also reinforces the Philippines' reputation as a premier destination for international sporting events. With athletes arriving from countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, the tournament is expected to provide world-class competition and valuable exposure for local athletes.
As competition officially begins, the spotlight now turns to the Filipino grapplers who carry the hopes of the nation and the opportunity to make history on home soil.
