Nigeria is rapidly becoming a driving force in the global development of Blind SAMBO, a combat sport adapted for visually impaired athletes.
The country’s SAMBO Federation recently demonstrated this commitment with an intensive training session at the Rowepark Dojo, where blind and visually impaired athletes, both men and women, sharpened their skills and showcased remarkable determination.
Sheriff Hamed, Vice President and Secretary General of the Nigerian SAMBO Federation, expressed the resilience of these athletes: “They may not see the mat, but they feel every move, every victory, every moment.
These training sessions show that no barrier can stop true determination.”
Blind SAMBO’s rise is a significant focus for the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS), especially following its recognition as a Recognised International Federation by the International Paralympic Committee. This endorsement marks a critical step in opening doors for wider acceptance and growth of the discipline globally.
FIAS President Vasily Shestakov praised the visually impaired sambists, highlighting their inspiration and courage. “Their courage and determination clearly show that human potential goes far beyond physical boundaries,” he said.
The sport’s international profile is growing steadily. Blind SAMBO made its debut at the 2023 Asia and Oceania SAMBO Championships in Astana and was later featured at the World Combat Games in Riyadh.
The 2024 World SAMBO Championships in Kazakhstan awarded medals in Blind SAMBO for the first time, and the discipline is set to be part of the 2025 World Championships in Kyrgyzstan.
