Building bridges ... through martial arts
Sambo is a Russian acronym meaning self-defence without weapons.
It has grown since 1920 to become a significant sport in more than 120 countries. The 2018 Northern Ireland Sambo President’s Cup will be held in Ballymena in Co Antrim in September.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAlexander Korsik is the Moscow-based head of the president’s office of the International Sambo Federation.
He said: “Sport should be not about politics and it has to build bridges among the countries.”
UK-Russia relations have been soured by the Salisbury poisoning incident, with the subsequent expulsion of diplomats.
Sambo, while hailing from the Soviet Union, is an international pursuit and draws on a range of combat styles.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMr Korsik added: “Trying to create something universal – that was the idea.”
Russia is just one of the many participating countries including the US, Canada, France, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
He said: “So I believe we just want to have a great sporting event, to bring people together, different countries, different athletes, this competition is always held in an atmosphere of great friendship and unity.”
Organisers were persuaded to come to Ballymena after receiving wholehearted support from North Antrim MP Ian Paisley.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe tournament will be held in the Seven Towers Leisure Centre on Saturday September 29.
Eight international teams will compete in the team event while 16 athletes will contest the Combat Grand Slam.
Almost 80 competitors will be involved. Countries already signed up include the US, Canada, England, Scotland, Ghana, Russia, Slovakia, Trinidad & Tobago and France.