Helmets for visually impaired sambo have been put through their paces ©FIAS

Helmets which can be used in visually impaired sambo competitions were put through their paces at an international exhibition in Moscow. 

The demonstration took place at the "Sport" event in the Russian capital.

According to inventors, the helmets completely exclude the possibility of residual vision during bouts.

Yuri Zhukov, the vice president of the All-Russian Sports Federation of the Blind, said: "I believe that blind and visually impaired sambo wrestlers should be in equal conditions of struggle. 

"If there is a fight on the carpet without helmets, the visually impaired is in a more advantageous position compared to the totally blind."

Blind sambo has taken place in Russian city Tyumen ©FIAS
Blind sambo has taken place in Russian city Tyumen ©FIAS

Visually impaired sambo fighter Anatoly Kropalev welcomed the new helmets.

"I believe that these helmets are an excellent initiative as I am in favour of honest sport, and it is necessary to equalise the opportunities wrestlers with different disabilities have," he said.

"For example, if a totally blind man wants to make me a front step, I see it and walk away from it." 

A club for visually impaired and blind sambists has been opened in Russian city Tyumen.