The tournament, held in Germany, was won by the German team Sambo Combat Gryphon ©FIAS

An international sambo tournament has been held in Germany, featuring teams from Europe and Asia.

The competition was staged in Lüneburg and was won by the German team Sambo Combat Gryphon. 

Teams from Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Romania, Uzbekistan, the Czech Republic and Germany all took part.

Athletes as young as five fought in the event, which was said to feature "spectacular throws, the will to win, the tears of defeat and the delights of victory".

The competition featured a wide range of age groups, allowing children as young as five to take part ©FIAS
The competition featured a wide range of age groups, allowing children as young as five to take part ©FIAS

German sambo coach Andrewi Herzen said: "One reason why this tournament is so marvellous is because it welcomes both little kids of five and above and experienced veterans of our favourite martial art.

"We learned what heroic acts are sometimes performed in daily life, for the sake of sambo." 

One girl competing, Lithuanian Roberta Kondratteyte, travels for 70 kilometres each way so she can attend sambo training twice a week.

She was given a special prize for her efforts.