As a result of the partnership, it is hoped sambo will be presented to various audiences on the largest international sports press platform, and increase its already rising global profile.

This follows the unveiling of a similar partnership in 2011 with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) after a close partnership with television was described as one of the "main goals" of the organisation.

This provides the FIAS with the opportunity to bring live broadcasts and programmes from all major sambo events to television channels throughout Europe, as well as in America and Asia.

The deal with AIPS, announced at the organisation's annual Congress here, should build this global role further and, as a further incentive to garner more coverage, the governing body is acknowledging the best journalist, best photo reporter, and best television journalist covering the sport in a series of awards allocated at the end of each season.

This comes in the midst of a busy FIAS calendar of sports events, including national, continental and World Sambo Championships for all age groups, from beginners to masters.

The FIAS is hoping for more coverage of World Cup and other international events ©Facebook



As well as four World Cup stages taking place on different continents throughout the year, the culmination and main event of the year is the World Championship in Narita, Japan, due to take place from November 20-24.

FIAS are also participating in a growing number of international multi-sport competitions, including the World SportAccord Combat Games, the World Summer Universiade, the Asian Games and, for the first time in Phuket between November 14 and 23 this year, the Asian Beach Games.

Earlier this year the sport was officially recognised by the Olympic Council of Asia for the first time, and FIAS President Vasily Shestakov told insidethegames this week that the sport is now targeting recognition by the International Olympic Committee. 

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