Russia is targeting increased sambo participation ©Getty Images

Russia's Ministry of Sport says it expects the number of people practicing sambo to grow.

More than 2,000 new facilities for the Soviet form of wrestling are said to have been built over the last 27 years, with more planned.

It comes after a project to promote the sport called "Za Sambo" was launched by the United Russia party.

Odes Baysultanov, the deputy head of the Ministry of Sport, discussed the scheme at a forum called "Science of Winning".

Sambo is a Russian form of wrestling which was taught to the Red Army ©Getty Images
Sambo is a Russian form of wrestling which was taught to the Red Army ©Getty Images

"I am sure that by our joint efforts the number will grow," he said on the sport's participation figures, according to Russia's official state news agency TASS.

Za Sambo is due to run through until 2026.

Despite the sport being heavily Russian, the country currently has to compete neutrally on the international stage due to sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine.