Overview
- Governing body
- Sambo Federation of India
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Olympic discipline
- No
- Category
- Combat
- Total players listed
- …
Sambo is one of India's most-followed disciplines. The Sambo Federation of India oversees national federation activity, talent identification and Olympic qualification pathways. Major support flows in through TOPS and Khelo India for athletes who clear federation benchmarks.
Sambo is not currently on the Olympic programme, but it sits firmly inside India's broader sporting ecosystem. The discipline receives support through the Khelo India movement, multi-sport events such as the National Games and Asian Games trials wherever the sport is contested, and dedicated league or championship structures run by the federation. Sponsorship, broadcast deals and private academies often fill the gap that direct government funding leaves, and several state governments offer cash awards, government jobs and land grants to medallists at the National Games and recognised world championships.
Combat sport pathways in India are unusually deep because of the country's traditional akhara and dojo culture sitting alongside the modern federation structure. The Sambo Federation of India runs sub-junior, junior, youth and senior nationals every year, and weight-category selection trials decide who represents India at continental and world events. Sports science, weight management and injury rehabilitation have become major focus areas since multiple Indian combat athletes have reached the Olympic and World Championship podium. SAI's combat-sport centres at Patiala, Lucknow, Bhopal, Sonepat and the IIS in Vijayanagar form the backbone of the elite training network.
At the grassroots, the route into Sambo typically starts at school under the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), at the inter-university level under the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), or through a private academy registered with the state association. The Khelo India Youth Games and Khelo India University Games are the largest single discovery platforms — athletes who reach the podium at these events become eligible for the Khelo India Talent Development scheme, which funds boarding, coaching, kit, education and a monthly stipend at accredited centres. State sports awards and central government jobs under the sports quota remain a powerful incentive for athletes from smaller towns.
Sambo originated in Soviet Union, and in India it has developed a distinct character shaped by the country's geography, demographics and sporting culture. Whether you want to compete, coach, sponsor, write about or simply follow Sambo, the practical starting point is the same: connect with your state association under the Sambo Federation of India, identify the nearest SAI centre or accredited academy, and track the Khelo India and federation calendars for the events that decide selection at every level. Sambo is played and developed across India under the Sambo Federation of India, with grassroots programmes, state associations and national-level competition pathways.
History
How sambo evolved globally and took root in India.
Sambo traces its modern origins to Soviet Union. Codified rules, standard equipment and international competition took shape as the sport spread beyond its birthplace, and Sambo Federation of India is the body that carried it into organised Indian competition.
In India, sambo grew through princely-state patronage, defence-service teams, universities and state associations. Post-independence, the discipline was formalised under Sambo Federation of India, national championships were instituted, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) later brought it into the centralised high-performance system with dedicated centres, coaching cadres and sports-science support.
Sambo sits outside the Olympic programme but is firmly part of India's Asian Games, Commonwealth and National Games map, with state governments backing medallists through cash awards, jobs and land grants.
Indian Players
Loading…- Aanya KumarServicesSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Aanya PandeyChandigarhSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Aanya SahooMadhya PradeshCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Aarav NaiduTripuraSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Aarvi DesaiJharkhandCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Abhinav SrivastavaHimachal PradeshSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Aditi BhatiaHimachal PradeshSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Aditya DasMeghalayaSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Akshay JoshiBiharCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Akshay MenonAssamSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Akshay MitraTamil NaduSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Amit SinghOdishaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Ananya GhoshAndaman and Nicobar IslandsCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Anika LakraTamil NaduWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Anika TomarAndhra PradeshCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Anika TuduAndaman and Nicobar IslandsSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Anirudh RaoGujaratCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Anirudh RoyKeralaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Anjali VermaAndhra PradeshSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Ankit DesaiGoaWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Ankit KarOdishaWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Ankit SuriPunjabCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Anya JadhavArunachal PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Anya KarGoaWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Anya MishraDelhiSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Arjun PrasadMadhya PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Aryan PathakPuducherryWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Aryan TiwariChandigarhCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Atharv ShindeArunachal PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Avani ReddyAndhra PradeshWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Bhakti SarkarMizoramSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Bhavesh NaiduMizoramSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Bhavesh SubramanianPunjabWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Bhavna IyerKarnatakaSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Bhavna JoshiNagalandCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Bhavna PawarHaryanaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Bhumi MitraChhattisgarhWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Bhumi ShuklaWest BengalSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Charvi PawarTelanganaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Chhavi OjhaTelanganaSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Chhavi SuriKarnatakaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Chhavi TyagiTamil NaduSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Chirag AhujaDelhiWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Damini KaurServicesSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Damini NaiduUttarakhandCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Damini TuduArunachal PradeshSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Darshan DubeArunachal PradeshSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Darshana BansalManipurSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Darshana LakraJammu and KashmirWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Deepak PrasadMizoramSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Deepak ShahServicesSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Deepak TiwariOdishaSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Deepali BhallaPunjabWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Deepika OjhaOdishaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Devansh GuptaTripuraCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Dhruv KrishnanGujaratSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Divya KumarRailwaysSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Divya SrivastavaUttar PradeshCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Diya BhallaJammu and KashmirSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Faisal PradhanTamil NaduCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Faizan GhoshKeralaCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Gargi AgarwalDelhiCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Garima KhannaOdishaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Garima MenonOdishaWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Gaurav VermaBiharCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Geetika KrishnanUttarakhandSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Geetika SahooServicesWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Harsh KumarChhattisgarhCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Hema BhatiaDelhiSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Hemant ChopraMaharashtraCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Hemant MalhotraKeralaSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Hemant MishraServicesSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Hiral ChandraWest BengalSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Hiral ParmarChhattisgarhSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Hrithik DasTelanganaCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Imran TrivediChhattisgarhSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Inder BhosaleSikkimCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Inder DeshpandeManipurWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Inder PawarManipurCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Ishan IyerPunjabCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Ishan SahooAndaman and Nicobar IslandsCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Ishan TiwariNagalandSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Ishan TyagiBiharSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Jatin PatelMeghalayaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Jyoti RaoPuducherrySport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Jyoti RoyKarnatakaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Kabir NegiAndaman and Nicobar IslandsSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Karan BansalArunachal PradeshSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Karan SenHaryanaSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Kartik TopnoMeghalayaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Kavya IyerAssamSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Kavya SuriMizoramSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Komal ParmarMeghalayaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Krish BeheraAndaman and Nicobar IslandsSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Krish PillaiOdishaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Kritika JoshiArunachal PradeshSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Kritika KulkarniGujaratSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Kritika RajputTripuraWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Kritika SahaKeralaCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Lakshay TopnoRailwaysCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Lakshay TuduChhattisgarhCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Lakshay YadavChandigarhSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Lipika SubramanianMadhya PradeshWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Madhav VermaLadakhCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Madhuri LakraSikkimWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Mahima BhallaHimachal PradeshSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Meera VermaUttar PradeshSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Mira BoseRailwaysSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Mira SuriMizoramCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Mridula MurmuKeralaSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Mridula ShahGujaratWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Mridula TrivediUttar PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Myra KarHimachal PradeshSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Myra KhannaUttar PradeshSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Myra SaxenaJharkhandSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Naina TrivediKarnatakaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Naman GoswamiTamil NaduCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Neha BishtNagalandCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Neha NaiduPunjabCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Nidhi ChauhanKarnatakaSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Nidhi KumarSikkimSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Niharika JoshiAssamWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Nikhil SrivastavaHaryanaSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Nirmal SrivastavaGoaCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Ojaswini DasOdishaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Pallavi ChauhanManipurSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Pari MishraJammu and KashmirWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Pari MitraRajasthanSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Pari PathakKarnatakaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Pari PrasadMadhya PradeshSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Pavan DeshpandeDelhiWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Payal TopnoJammu and KashmirWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Pooja IyerMeghalayaSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Pragya KaurAndhra PradeshSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Pragya KulkarniRajasthanSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Pragya PathakWest BengalSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Pranav KamathRajasthanCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Pranav MurmuUttar PradeshWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Pranav RaoTripuraSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Prateek SrivastavaJammu and KashmirWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Radhika ShuklaTripuraSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Raghav TiwariMizoramCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Rahul TrivediAndaman and Nicobar IslandsWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Rahul TuduArunachal PradeshCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Rajat RathodUttar PradeshCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Rakesh JoshiNagalandCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Rakesh KhannaArunachal PradeshSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Reyna BhatiaRailwaysSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Rishi NairChandigarhWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Rishi ShettyRajasthanWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Rishi SuriDelhiCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Ritvik PathakLadakhSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Ritvik SenAndhra PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Ritvik SolankiRailwaysCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Riya AwasthiManipurSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Riya KrishnanNagalandSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Ruchi DashPuducherryCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Saanvi SuriMizoramSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Sahil MishraChandigarhSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Sameer BhatiaGujaratWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Sameer BishtManipurSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Sameer PatelPuducherrySport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Sandeep PradhanGujaratSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Sanya RanaRailwaysSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Shaurya BishtBiharWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Shaurya ChopraMeghalayaSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Shaurya DeshpandeMaharashtraSport -79kg
Middleweight sport sambo athlete with powerful hip throws.
- Shreya KulkarniPunjabSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Shreya SinghMadhya PradeshSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Tanmay GhoshGujaratCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Tanmay RathodBiharSport -88kg
Half-heavy sport sambo fighter with imposing grip work.
- Tara AhujaRailwaysWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Tara SinghServicesCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Tarun ChauhanMadhya PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Tarun RawatBiharSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Tarun TopnoSikkimWomen -64kg
Women's sport sambo athlete with strong ne-waza game.
- Trisha KaurTripuraSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Trisha KrishnanUttar PradeshWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Urvi BeheraRailwaysSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Vaishali AhujaGoaCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Vanya NairUttar PradeshSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Varsha JindalMizoramCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Varsha MarandiAndhra PradeshCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Varun DasDelhiSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Varun DashTelanganaCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
- Veer DasDelhiWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Vihaan JadhavManipurWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Vikas BansalNagalandWomen -54kg
Women's sport sambo player with rapid throws and pins.
- Vinay ShuklaBiharSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Vishal GuptaManipurSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Yamini KrishnanWest BengalSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Yash NegiPuducherryCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Yash SenPuducherrySport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Yuvraj JoshiBiharSport -58kg
Lightweight sport sambo athlete with quick throws and pins.
- Yuvraj KulkarniMeghalayaSport -98kg
Heavyweight sport sambo athlete dominant in clinch and throws.
- Yuvraj MukherjeeAndaman and Nicobar IslandsSport -64kg
Sport sambo fighter with sharp foot sweeps and ground control.
- Yuvraj SethiHaryanaCombat -82kg
Combat sambo fighter with crushing top control and pound.
- Zaid MitraHaryanaCombat -71kg
Combat sambo athlete with sharp punches and leg-lock chains.
- Zaid RoyChhattisgarhSport -71kg
Sport sambo player with strong leg-lock entries and transitions.
- Zara DeshpandeGujaratCombat -64kg
Combat sambo fighter mixing striking, throws and submissions.
Rules
Bouts are decided across a fixed number of rounds inside a ring, mat or cage, with victory by points, submission, technical superiority, knockout, disqualification or referee stoppage depending on the discipline. Weight categories are strictly enforced, weigh-ins are held before every event, and the referee has full authority to stop a bout for safety. WADA anti-doping and federation medical clearance apply at every level.
Authoritative rulebook: Sambo Federation of India. Age-group and school-level variations are published by SGFI and the state associations each season.
Positions
Key roles, events or positions inside a sambo squad or competition.
- Fighter / competitorContests bouts inside the ring, mat or cage in a set weight category.
- Corner / secondCoach in the corner during the bout — allowed to instruct between rounds.
- Referee & judgesOfficiate the bout, score rounds and enforce safety rules.
- Cutman / medicalManages cuts, swelling and immediate medical needs between rounds.
Equipment
Standard kit and infrastructure required to train and compete in sambo at a federation-recognised event.
- Approved gloves, headguard, mouthguard, groin guard and shin/instep protection
- Weight-class-appropriate singlet, gi, dobok or shorts
- Wraps, tapes and cornerman kit
- Weigh-in scale, timer and mat/ring/cage to federation spec
- Medical and cutman supplies at every bout
Governing body
Sambo Federation of India is the recognised national body for Sambo in India. It sets the domestic calendar, selection norms, coaching curriculum and anti-doping compliance, and is affiliated to the international federation for sambo. State associations under Sambo Federation of India run age-group competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
- Origin
- Soviet Union
- Olympic
- No
- Category
- Combat
Major Indian Events
Domestic championships, Khelo India events, National Games and franchise leagues that shape the sambo calendar in India.
- Sambo Federation of India Senior National Championship
The primary domestic sambo title and the main selection trial for the senior India team.
- Sambo Federation of India Junior & Sub-Junior National Championship
Age-group nationals that feed the Khelo India Talent Development scheme and the senior camp.
- Khelo India Youth Games & University Games — Sambo
India's largest multi-sport scouting platform; medallists become eligible for KIA stipends and boarding at accredited centres.
- National Games of India — Sambo
Quadrennial multi-sport meet contested by state teams; state governments give cash awards, jobs and land grants to medallists.
International Events
Continental and world-level competitions where India competes in sambo.
- Asian Games & Asian Championships
Continental championship pathway sanctioned by Sambo Federation of India; medallists receive central and state cash awards.
- Commonwealth Games / Championships
Commonwealth-level competition where India regularly fields medal contenders in sambo.
- World Championships
The senior world title event of the international federation — the peak of the sambo calendar outside the Olympic year.
Leagues
No dedicated professional league is currently catalogued for sambo. The national championship under Sambo Federation of India remains the top domestic competition.
All leagues →International Players
Globally recognised sambo athletes to know outside India.
- Mikaela Mayer (USA) / Naoya Inoue (Japan)World-title boxers headlining the current pro scene.
- Islam Makhachev (Russia)UFC lightweight champion.
- Zaur Uguev (Russia)Two-time Olympic and multiple-time World wrestling champion.
- Kim Yu-Jin (South Korea)Olympic taekwondo gold medallist.
- Uta Abe (Japan)Olympic and World judo champion.
Records
Where to find India's official sambo record book.
- Olympic medalsN/A
Sambo is not on the Olympic programme, so India records this discipline through Asian Games, Commonwealth, World and Continental championships instead.
- Asian Games medalsTracked
India's Asian Games results in sambo are compiled by the Indian Olympic Association and the Sambo Federation of India.
- Commonwealth medalsTracked
Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Championship medals in sambo are maintained by the Sambo Federation of India.
- World Championship medalsTracked
Senior, junior and youth World Championship medal records are held by the international federation for sambo and mirrored by Sambo Federation of India.
- National record holdersFederation register
Sambo Federation of India publishes the current senior, junior and sub-junior national records and updates them after every ratified event.
Career Options
Ways to build a career in sambo — on the field, on the sidelines and behind the scenes.
- National-camp athlete on TOPS with international competition support
- Coach at SAI, private academy or dojo/akhara
- Referee, judge and cornerman certified by the federation
- Cutman, sports medicine and combat-specific physiotherapy
- Government jobs via sports quota, defence and paramilitary intake
- Fight promotion, MMA/boxing management and broadcast careers
Related academies
0 listedNo sambo academies are catalogued in the directory yet. Browse the full academy list or list your academy to appear here.
Government Schemes
…Central and state schemes that fund training, stipends and awards for sambo athletes and academies.
Loading schemes…
All government schemes →FAQs
Common questions about sambo in India.
Who governs Sambo in India?▾
Sambo Federation of India is the recognised national federation for Sambo in India. State associations under Sambo Federation of India run age-group and state-level competition and feed the national talent pipeline.
Is Sambo an Olympic sport?▾
Sambo is not currently on the Olympic programme, but India competes at Asian Games, Commonwealth Games (where recognised), World Championships and other continental events sanctioned by Sambo Federation of India.
How do I start playing Sambo in India?▾
Join a school team under SGFI, a college team under AIU, or a private academy affiliated to your state association. From there, age-group state championships and Khelo India events are the standard route into the national pipeline.
What government schemes support Sambo athletes?▾
The core schemes are Khelo India (talent development stipends, scholarships and boarding at accredited centres), TOPS (funding for elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games), and state-government cash awards, jobs and land grants for medallists. Federation-specific schemes may also apply.
Where can I train for Sambo?▾
Sports Authority of India (SAI) national centres of excellence, Khelo India accredited academies, state sports institutes and private academies registered with the state association are the standard training venues. The Academies section on this page lists options.
How are Indian Sambo athletes selected for international events?▾
Sambo Federation of India runs selection trials — typically the senior national championship, a dedicated trial event, or ranking-based selection — and publishes the selection policy each season. Objective criteria (times, distances, ranking points, weight-class results) dominate at the elite level.
Sambo in every state & UT
Dedicated pages for Sambo in each Indian state and Union Territory — academies, schemes, athletes and how to start.
- Sambo in Andhra Pradesh
- Sambo in Arunachal Pradesh
- Sambo in Assam
- Sambo in Bihar
- Sambo in Chhattisgarh
- Sambo in Goa
- Sambo in Gujarat
- Sambo in Haryana
- Sambo in Himachal Pradesh
- Sambo in Jharkhand
- Sambo in Karnataka
- Sambo in Kerala
- Sambo in Madhya Pradesh
- Sambo in Maharashtra
- Sambo in Manipur
- Sambo in Meghalaya
- Sambo in Mizoram
- Sambo in Nagaland
- Sambo in Odisha
- Sambo in Punjab
- Sambo in Rajasthan
- Sambo in Sikkim
- Sambo in Tamil Nadu
- Sambo in Telangana
- Sambo in Tripura
- Sambo in Uttar Pradesh
- Sambo in Uttarakhand
- Sambo in West Bengal
- Sambo in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Sambo in Chandigarh
- Sambo in Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
- Sambo in Delhi
- Sambo in Jammu & Kashmir
- Sambo in Ladakh
- Sambo in Lakshadweep
- Sambo in Puducherry