German Sambo Open 2026 in Karlsruhe: SAMBO as a Tool of People's Diplomacy

An unprecedented heatwave across Europe did nothing to stop the second edition of the German Sambo Open in Karlsruhe, Germany. Held at the Lina-Radke-Halle sports complex, the tournament brought together around 250 athletes from 23 countries.

The competition programme covered the full range of SAMBO disciplines, with bouts held in both Sport SAMBO and Combat SAMBO across three age categories — cadets, juniors, and seniors. The youngest competitors impressed with their raw potential, the junior bouts were marked by fierce, uncompromising exchanges, and the senior category drew the closest attention from a packed audience that came expecting the highest level of mastery.

In her welcoming address, Karlsruhe Deputy Mayor for Sport Yvette Melchien spoke about SAMBO's growing presence in the city, noting that some sports find a true home in particular places — where they are nurtured with care, developed over time, and carried forward by passionate people across generations. Karlsruhe, she said, has become exactly that kind of home for SAMBO.

FIAS CEO and Acting Secretary General Alexander Korsik also addressed the participants, highlighting the strong potential of the German Sambo Open. In his view, the tournament has every opportunity to earn a new and more prominent place in the international SAMBO calendar.

The event was organised by Budo Club Karlsruhe in cooperation with the German SAMBO Federation. Tournament organising committee head Fabian Schley noted that despite the variety of sporting traditions represented on the mat, the atmosphere throughout was defined by mutual respect — with spectators applauding outstanding technique regardless of which athlete performed it.

"Beyond the medal standings, there was a bigger goal at play," said Schley. "The German Sambo Open showed clearly that SAMBO is an effective tool of people's diplomacy. Athletes and official representatives from 23 countries exchanged experience, arranged joint training camps, and built new connections."

The organisers expressed confidence that the tournament will become a permanent fixture on the annual calendar in Karlsruhe, with its international standing set to grow with each edition.