A monument is set to be unveiled to sambo’s founders Vasily Oshchepkov, Victor Spiridonov and Anatol Kharlampiev ©FIAS

A monument to sambo’s founders Vasily Oshchepkov, Victor Spiridonov and Anatol Kharlampiev is set to be unveiled on December 18.

The statue had been due to be unveiled to mark World Sambo Day on November 16, but that was delayed.

It is located at the Luzhniki Sports Complex in Moscow.

The monument reads: "To the founders of SAMBO in Russia V. A. Spiridonov, V. S. Oshchepkov and A. A. Kharlampiev".

The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) says an official Opening Ceremony is now due to take place on December 18, and will be held as part of the A Kharlampiev Memorial World Cup.

The ceremony will take place alongside the Sambo World Cup in Moscow ©FIAS
The ceremony will take place alongside the Sambo World Cup in Moscow ©FIAS

The event will take place over two days in the Small Sports Arena of the Luzhniki Sports Complex.

Competition will be held without spectators due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The FIAS said the competition and the ceremony at the monument will be broadcast live on the governing body’s website.