THE Philippine Sambo Team concluded 2024 with a triumphant performance at the Asia and Oceania Open Beach Sambo Championships, held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
National Training Pool standout Cresente Navares delivered an outstanding showing, winning gold in the beach team sambo event and bronze in the 71kg men’s sambo category while John McLeary Ornido, earned a silver medal in the same division.
The team was guided by Coach Sydney Sy, whose expertise has played a crucial role in advancing the sport in the country.
Paolo Tancontian, president of the Pilipinas Sambo Federation, expressed optimism for the future. “As we look forward to the new year, we are confident that Pilipinas Sambo will continue to soar to greater heights and inspire future generations of athletes,” said Tancontian, who was re-elected to a fresh four-year term during the recent board of trustees meeting in Davao City.
Tancontian, a Davao City-based martial artist and founder of the Sambo National Sports Association (NSA), will serve as president from 2025 to 2028.
Upon his re-election, he expressed gratitude for the community’s unwavering trust in his leadership and commitment to grassroots development. “I am honored to have been re-elected as President of the Philippine Sambo Federation (PSFI). I extend my deepest appreciation to all our members for their unwavering support and belief in our shared vision: to elevate and expand the reach of Sambo within the Philippines. We are committed to surpassing our previous accomplishments and driving Sambo to even greater heights with our newly elected officers. We will work tirelessly to ensure its continued growth and success. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala at suporta,” Tancontian said.
The past year has been exceptional for Philippine Sambo.
The country achieved significant success on the international stage, with Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna earning bronze medals at the World Beach Sambo Championships, and Aislinn Yap also bagging a bronze at the World Sambo Championships.
As the Pilipinas Sambo Federation enters a new chapter under Tancontian’s leadership, it continues to set its sights on even greater milestones.
The newly elected officers included Vice President James Leetong and Rosalyn Dayanan, Secretary General Janet Sy, Treasurer Rhea Mae Relampagos, and board members Rover Magdale and Engr. Ralph Yee, are committed to supporting the federation’s vision.
