THE Pilipinas Sambo Federation, Inc. (PSFI) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will team up when the country hosts the Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships unfolding June 24 to 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Sambo is a sport that needs exposure in the Philippines so here we are,” said PSC Chair Patrick Gregorio in Thursday’s media briefer at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

PSFI President Paolo Tancontian said the country would get a chance to see former World No. 1 and three-time Asian champion Sydney Tancontian in person along with the country’s youngest stars.

“In our 10 years as an association, we at sambo have produced a world No. 1 and Asian champion in Sydney Tancontian and we hope she would inspire young athletes,” said Mr. Tancontian, patriarch.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino, along with PSC Commissioner Fritz Gaston and POC Secretary-General Wharton Chan, graced the launch and lauded the PSC for supporting PSFI.

“If not for the PSC, sambo will not have this big event so we thank the PSC for being aggressive in supporting and hosting international events like this one,” said Mr. Tolentino.

A total of 29 countries including Australia and New Zealand are battling for the 72 gold medals at stake including some in the juniors and cadet divisions. — Joey Villar

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