The Jornal de Angola reported that Kano had died after being hospitalised with illness at the Endiama clinic in the Angolan capital.

The International Sambo Federation (FIAS) led the tributes to the administrator, who served as an athlete, referee, coach and organiser in the sport.

"The news of the tragic death of this bright, extraordinary and sincere person, who was wholeheartedly dedicated to the development of sambo throughout the world, was a real blow to the entire sambo community," it said.

"Eduardo devoted many years of his life to the development of sambo in the Republic of Angola and throughout the African continent.

"Sincere love for sambo and devotion to this sport became the work of his whole life."

The Angola (Luanda) Sambo and Kurash Association is one of 12 full members of the African Sambo Confederation, and the FIAS praised Kano for his work developing the sport on the continent.

"The head of the national sambo of Angola managed to make a real breakthrough in the development of this sport in the Republic, significantly increasing the number of fans of martial arts," the FIAS added.

"Eduardo was not only an inspirer and enthusiast of his work, creating all the necessary conditions for the professional growth of Angolan sambists, but also a real example for the Presidents of other federations of the African continent.

"With the death of Eduardo Kano, the entire sambo community suffered a colossal and irreparable loss.

"Eduardo will forever remain in our hearts, and his name will be inscribed in the history of world sambo."

The National Federation's chair Norberto Nzila also underlined Kano's contribution to sambo in Angola.

"It's news that took us by surprise, Eduardo was sambo's starter, always tireless in doing everything for the good of sambo," Nzila said, as reported by the Jornal de Angola.

"The truth is that we don't know how to continue without him.

"We are all dismayed and groundless."