World sambo multi-medalist Sydney Sy Tancontian of Davao City will lead a lean but determined Philippine team in the 5th World Beach Sambo Championships, set on August 2 and 3 at the YCK Complex Beach Volleyball Court in Singapore.
Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. president Paolo Tancontian, who is also Sydney’s father, said the team is aiming for stronger finishes this year.
"Una tayong nakapag-participate last 2024 sa Morocco at nakapag-uwi silang dalawa ng bronze medals (We first participated in 2024 in Morocco, and the two of them brought home bronze medals)," he said, referring to Sydney and Jeniva Consigna’s bronze medal haul during the country’s debut in the tournament.
Sydney, who also bagged bronze medals in the women’s +80kg division at the Grand Prix de Sambo de Paris and the World Sambo Cup in Armenia last June, will compete in the +72kg category this time. Consigna will vie for honors in the -72kg division.
Also representing Team Philippines are Aumagel Princess Cortez (women’s -59kg), Faiza Jeninna Asilum (women’s -50kg), Janry Pamor (men’s -58kg), and Cresente Navares (men’s -71kg).
FIAS President Vasily Shestakov highlighted the significance of hosting the World Beach SAMBO Championships in Singapore, calling it a landmark moment for the sport. He noted that it's the first time the event is being held in Asia — a symbolic milestone, especially since Beach SAMBO was first introduced in Southeast Asia at the 2014 Asian Beach Games in Thailand.
Athletes from 19 countries will compete in this year’s championship. Day one features individual matches across eight men’s and women’s weight categories, while day two highlights the mixed team event, with teams composed of three men and two women. MLSA
