Sambo referees from five different continents have taken part in an international seminar here in Russia’s capital ©FIAS

Sambo referees from five different continents have taken part in an international seminar here in Russia’s capital as part of the programme for the ongoing World Cup.

Nearly 50 officials attended the three-day seminar at the famous Sambo-70 school, which aimed to help prevent mistakes in their work.

The first two days were dedicated to studying theory and analysing complex situations with an exam held on the last day.

Referees who successfully passed the exam received a certificate and the right to officiate at international tournaments.

For some, their first outing is here at the two-day World Cup, which begun yesterday.

The international seminar for referees ran for three days
The international seminar for referees ran for three days ©FIAS

"It's encouraging that the geography of participants in international referee seminars is expanding year by year," said Boris Sova, chairman of the All-Russian SAMBO Federation’s Referees Commission.

"Today we have representatives from Algeria, Cameroon, South Korea, the United States, and a huge number of referees from the CIS [military].

"We've managed to gather a large number of Russian referees, and new people have also joined the referee corps.

"I think this is why the geography of professional referees has expanded.

"I'm also very pleased that a lot of young referees have joined us here.

"This means that a change of generations among referees is gradually taking place.

"I think this is one of the achievements of this seminar."

One of the most regular participants at the annual seminar is François Nama of Cameroon, a country that only recently discovered sambo but has achieved notable results in international competitions.

Paule Sitcheping and Diodjo Wetio won bronze medals in the women’s 60 kilogram category and women’s over 80kg class at last year’s World Championships in Casablanca in Morocco.

Cameroon's François Nama is one of the most regular participants at sambo's international referee seminars
Cameroon's François Nama is one of the most regular participants at sambo's international referee seminars ©FIAS

Cameroonian referees, like the athletes, are also constantly improving according to Nama.

"We often come, and we try not to miss any opportunity take part in these seminars, because we're well aware of the importance of these events," said Nama.

"It's very important for us in Cameroon to form a good, self-sufficient referee corps - this is our main goal.

"After training at the international seminar, we will then be able to hold national seminars in Cameroon to pass on our experience and knowledge.

"As a result, a group of referees able to judge both nationally and internationally should form in our country."

The Sambo World Cup is also referred to as the A. Kharlampiev Memorial World Cup in honour of Anatoly A. Kharlampiev - one of the founding fathers of sambo.