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The opening of the tournament, which brought together 500 athletes from all 14 regions of the Volga Federal District, took place at the Voeikov Martial Arts Palace.
The Governor welcomed the young sambo athletes, coaches, and fans, emphasizing that sambo can be called a national sport of Russians.
"Sambo is a wrestling style that emerged on Soviet soil and subsequently developed in the Russian Federation," stated Oleg Melnichenko. "Sambo saved the lives of our soldiers more than once during the Great Patriotic War and throughout all armed conflicts. Currently, many representatives of the Russian sambo school, including residents of Penza, are participating in the special military operation. In this hall, there are young people who have gone through combat operations in the special military operation zone."
"Sambo is a form of wrestling that strengthens character, instills courage, and cultivates the best qualities in a person," he added. "I wish everyone excellent competition. I will be rooting for Penza Oblast, but may the strongest win. Good luck to all!"
Sambo is one of the core sports in Penza Oblast, with over 3,500 young people participating in the region.
Anastasia Kondratieva, Senior Coach of the Russian National Sambo Team, thanked Oleg Melnichenko for the warm welcome and excellent organization of the competition.
"The Volga Federal District championship serves as a qualifier for three events – the Russian Championship, the 'Victory' international tournament, and the Student Spartakiad, so the participants have very strong motivation to win," noted Anastasia Kondratieva.