The Israeli Sambo Championship has helped with preparation for the World Youth and Junior Sambo Championships, according to the coach of the country's national team ©FIAS

The head coach of the Israeli sambo team Pavel Musin believes a recent national competition will help the country’s preparations for the World Youth and Junior Championships.

A total of 180 athletes aged 13 and older took part in the Israeli Sambo Championship, held in Rishon LeZion.

Speaking after the event Musin said: "The championship was the final stage and excellent preparation for the World Youth and Junior Championships, which will be held soon in Bishkek.

"The national team has been formed, and we will try to return from Kyrgyzstan with medals, improving the results of last year."


The World Youth and Junior Sambo Championships is due to be held in Bishkek from October 6 to 8, with competition set to take place in combat sambo for juniors and sport sambo for male and female youth sambists.

President of the Israel Sambo Federation Peter Rosen added: "I am glad to see the high level of athletes at the championship, which indicates the daily, painstaking work of the clubs and coaches."

As well as competing for victory in their respective weight categories, sambists were also representing their respective clubs.

The leading club at the end of the Championships were Otzma Rishon LeZion, led by Musin, with second place going to the Polar Bear club based in Krayot, and third to the Hapoel Bat Yam club.