The 4^th Personal-team championship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation in combat sambo among regional internal affairs bodies started in the Sports and Education Center “Sambo-70”. More than 300 police officers from 46 regions of the country take part in the competition.

The Opening ceremony was attended by Chief of the MIA Department of Government Service and Personnel, Lieutenant-General Vladimir Kubyshko, Assistant to the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, Colonel of Police Irina Volk, Deputy Chief of the MIA GA for Moscow, Lieutenant-General of Internal Service Andrey Ponorets, Chief of the Internal Affairs Administration for the T&N Administrative District of the MIA GA for Moscow, Chief of the Federation of Combat Sambo of the of the MIA GA for Moscow, Colonel of Police Shamil Sibanov, President of the All-Russian Sambo Federation Sergey Eliseev, Director General of the Sports and Education Center “Sambo-70” Renat Laishev. Among the guests of the event there were three-time world champion in sambo Yana Kostenko, two-time world champions Vyacheslav Mikhailin and Nikita Kletskov, World Sambo Cup winner Dmitry Kletskov and silver medalists of the World Championship Sergey Ryabov, Ilya Kokovich, bronze medalist of the World Championship Sayan Hurtek and other famous athletes.

Chief of the DGS&P of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, Lieutenant-General Vladimir Kubyshko, gave start to the competition.

“Please note the high qualification level of the competition participants. On the wrestling carpet we see world champions, champions of Russia, masters of sports of the Russian Federation. This sport is given special importance in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, it is useful and relevant, and it also develops the highest degree of readiness of police officers to perform their operational and service tasks of protecting public order. Sambo develops strong-will, readiness to overcome difficult situations and protect citizens from encroachments on their rights in any situation,” stressed in his welcoming speech the Chief of the DGS&P of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia.

The opening ceremony was decorated with a thematic laser show, a dance performance with the participation of gymnasts, as well as the performance of Irina Savitskaya, the Honored Artist of Russia.

The first All-Russian championship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in combat sambo was held in St. Petersburg in 2014. Within four years, this sport has received a new impetus for development in the Russian police.

The organizers tried to make the tournament opening ceremony spectacular and effective. In the huge sports hall, the light went out, the presenter announced the names of sambo wrestlers. They went out on the carpet through the glowing gates in the artificial smoke clouds to the solemn music and the applause of the spectators. Then the light came on, and the athletes began to fight.

“Sambo is an integral part of the physical and special training of the personnel of internal affairs bodies. Guests and spectators, coaches and athletes unanimously characterized this tournament as a demonstration of strength, professionalism and will to win of the officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation,” said Lieutenant-General of Internal Service Andrey Ponorets, deputy Chief of the MIA GA for Moscow.

Within three days, the competent judges will determine the strongest athletes in nine weight categories.

“At the championship very high-class athletes are represented, because in each region, of course, there are skillful guys. Moscow, in its turn, is represented by participants in all weight categories. Among them there are contenders for gold medals, since victories always, everywhere and in everything – this is our goal,” said the Chief of the Internal Affairs Administration for the T&N Administrative District of the MIA GA for Moscow, the Head of the

Combat Sambo Federation of the MIA GA for Moscow, Colonel of Police Shamil Sibanov.

Winners of the first day of the competition: Vladimir Lamanov (the MIA of Russia Administration for the Ryazan Region) – in the 52 kg weight category, Rustam Konsozhev (the MIA of Russia Administration for the Vologda Region) – 57 kg, Rashad Muradov (MIA in the Republic of Bashkortostan) – 68 kg and Murad Kerimov (MIA GA for Moscow) – 82 kg. They, as well as silver and bronze medalists of the championship, were awarded medals and valuable gifts.