Philippines gears up to host 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships in June 

Manila is set to become the center of the SAMBO world this June as the Philippines prepares to host the 2026 Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and supported by key sports officials, the tournament scheduled from June 23 to 28 is also a statement of intent for a nation pushing to expand its footprint in martial arts disciplines.

The decision to bring the event to the Philippines reflects both recent success and long-term vision.

The Philippines is expecting a strong turnout, as Philippine Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancotian noted that 29 countries and over 500 athletes are expected to be joining. 

“Itong ating event kaya tayo napa-host dahil sa na-inspire tayo. In total we have 16 medals na yung nakuha natin sa Asia and Oceania. Yung tatlong gold medal courtesy kay Sydney (Sy) at yung pang-apat galing kay Aislinn Yap,” Tancotian said during a press conference on Thursday.

Beyond medals, organizers see the tournament as a platform for growth, visibility, and national pride.

“Yung gusto natin makita especially dito sa Philippines na manalo yung ating athletes. Hindi lang sa manalo, ma-promote din sports tourism sa ating bansa. And mapanood mismo ng ating kababayan yung ating sambo tournament,” the PSFI president added.

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A HISTORIC FIRST FOR THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines is hosting the 2026 Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships from June 23 to 28.

Over 500 elite delegates from 29 countries are expected in the competition to be held in the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. pic.twitter.com/foC3AhQVfG

— Paige Javier (@PaigeJavier) April 16, 2026

Leading the Philippine charge is former world No. 1 and three-time Asian champion Sydney Sy, who will headline a 30-athlete national delegation—one of the largest contingents the country has ever fielded in the sport.

“Sa 10 years lang po ng Pilipinas Sambo, we are able to host a prestigious event. Major, major event po ito for us. And napakalaking honor. We will be able to give more opportunities po sa athletes po,” she said.

For national federation officials, the expanded lineup is a sign of how far the sport has come locally, especially with young athletes now getting international exposure at scale.

There is also a personal layer to the story, with Sy leading not just as a champion but as an inspiration for the next generation hoping to follow her path to the global stage.

Support from the broader Philippine sports leadership further underscores the event’s importance in the country’s sporting roadmap.

Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio voiced their support for the event, sharing that they have seen firsthand the progress of sambo in the country. 

They emphasized that staging the competition in the Philippines will not only aid in preparation but also give Filipinos a chance to gain a deeper appreciation of the sport. 

POC Secretary General Wharton Chan and PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston also threw their support behind the event, saying it will contribute to the continued growth of sambo in the country. 

“This is a huge milestone for Philippine sports. At any rate, yung sambo they have combat, grappling, all-around so maraming world champions na galing sa sambo. Sambo would be a force to reckoned with in the future,” Chan said.

With elite athletes from across Asia and Oceania set to converge in Manila, the championship is expected to do more than crown winners—it aims to establish the Philippines as a serious player in the global combat sports landscape, while inspiring the next wave of homegrown champions.

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