Olga Maleiko has recalled cutting weight ahead of winning gold at the World Sambo Championships ©FIAS

Romania's Olga Maleiko has admitted it was difficult to move down a weight category for the 2020 World Sambo Championships, where she claimed the women's under-68-kilogram gold medal.

Maleiko, who switched national allegiance from Belarus last year, spoke to the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) website about her cutting weight and how it impacted preparations for the World Championships in Novi Sad.

"I have already tried myself in the 72kg before, although [now] my category is 68kg," said Maleiko.

"There are some peculiarities - physically such a struggle is hard for me.

"But you can fight everywhere, even if you are underweight."

Maleiko beat Belarusian Nastassia Skvartsova in the final in Novi Sad.

Olga Maleiko defeated Belarus' Nastassia Skvartsova in the women's under-68kg final at last year's World Sambo Championships ©FIAS
Olga Maleiko defeated Belarus' Nastassia Skvartsova in the women's under-68kg final at last year's World Sambo Championships ©FIAS

"On emotions after the fight, when I left the mat, I really didn't understand that I had become the world champion," she added.

"After some time, this understanding came.

"But there is no stop there, you need to go further.

"It doesn't matter who you are - the world champion or not - you should always strive for the best."

Maleiko added that switching allegiance from Belarus had been "for the best", and she is now coached by Viorel Gasca, the President of the Romanian Sambo Federation as well as the national team's head coach.