MULTI-ATHLETES James Halasan Ryan and Sydney Sy Tancontian will pioneer the launch of the Philippine Sambo in 2017.
This was bared by International Sambo Federation (Fias) national secretary-general Paolo Tancontian during an interview with SunStar Davao Tuesday, December 27, saying that they are currently processing their papers for recognition by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
Paolo said that Sambo is a Soviet martial art and combat sport that originated in Russia.
Filipino-British Ryan, a 17-year-old Philippine Under-19 Junior Volcanoes player and a judo blackbelt in England where he is from, said he already gave up judo as he is currently enjoying his rugby career.
He said that he would play for the Philippine Sambo but will still prioritize rugby.
Ryan, who became a certified Filipino citizen last December 2, had won several gold medals in huge judo events in the United Kingdom as well as a handful of medals including golds when he played for Davao City in past editions of the Batang Pinoy national and regional judo and wrestling competitions.
Sydney, for her part, said Sambo will be more exciting for her since it is similar to her current sports, wrestling and judo.
Sydney, a 17-year-old University of Santo Tomas judo varsity scholar who recently won a gold in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, also won her seventh Batang Pinoy judo gold in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
She will serve as an ambassadress for the sport, committing to encourage the youth, especially girls.
Paolo also eyes his younger son Chino and two judokas from Leon Garcia Sr. National High School - Alfredo Plaza and Jovi Encarnacion to play Sambo.