National SAMBO competition held in Burkina Faso. BURKINA24.COM

The first national SAMBO competition took place in Burkina Faso from 26 to 28 January. The tournament was organised by the Burkinabe SAMBO Sports Association with the support of the African Initiative Association, reports "burkina24.com". Dozens of athletes competed in various weight categories, including both girls and boys.

The tournament was part of the 48-hour SAMBO Days programme. According to Stephane Traore, a member of the African Initiative Association, it is a way of promoting talent in the sport. 

According to International SAMBO coach Amidu Gindo the competitions were held in Defence and Combat Sambo. Burkina Faso's champion Israël Mano won the competition in the men's +98 kg category. Some of the winning athletes will meet other member countries of the Alliance of Sahel States and Russian athletes in the coming days. The Burkina Faso SAMBO Sports Association (ASBS) was created in September 2020. It is represented in all regions of the African country and has around 200 members. There are 10 official clubs within the ASBS.