India Hosts National Certification Seminars Ahead of Historic SAMBO Championships in Kozhikode

The SAMBO India Association has held its 2026 National Certification Seminars for Referees, Coaches, and Technical Secretaries ahead of the National SAMBO Championships, which will take place for the first time in the country's history in Kozhikode, Kerala State, from April 24 to 27.

A total of 47 participants from 14 states across India attended the seminars, organized by the SAMBO Association of Kerala in Kozhikode.

The referee certification seminars were conducted by FIAS-certified International Referees Carmen Wai Bunn Tang (Malaysia) and Ann Mary Philip (India). The sessions were held in an interactive format and received high praise from participants. The coach’s certification seminar was led by SAMBO coach and FIAS-certified International Referee Arsen Kamchibekov (Kyrgyzstan).

A landmark moment came with the staging of the SAMBO Union of Asia and Oceania (SUAO) Technical Seminar for National Secretaries – delivered by SUAO Certified Continental Technical Secretary Zainal Arifin (Indonesia).

“These seminars marked a significant step in the development of SAMBO in India, ensuring that referees, coaches, and administrative staff are fully prepared ahead of the most important national championship in the country's history,” said SUAO Secretary General Suresh Gopi.