Vilnius, Lithuania — The 18th International Dr. Pranciškus Eigminas Memorial Sambo Tournament successfully concluded in Vilnius, bringing together over 120 athletes from 14 countries representing Africa, Asia, and Europe. The tournament, a key part of the European Sambo Federation (ESF) calendar, confirmed its status as a prestigious international competition.
This year, athletes from Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Great Britain, Turkey, Spain, Kazakhstan, Cameroon, Israel, Georgia, and Armenia met on the Lithuanian tatami.
Lithuanian Sambo Federation President Dr. Linas Obcarskas emphasized the significance of the event. “This tournament has become a long-standing tradition for our community, interrupted only in 2020 due to the pandemic. Its inclusion in the ESF calendar allows us to attract high-class international athletes, which undoubtedly enhances the competition and entertainment value.”
The tournament was co-financed by the Sports Support Fund, managed by the National Sports Agency, with significant support from private sponsors. Participants were accommodated in Vilnius hotels, providing comfortable conditions for the competition.
Vibrant Stories and the Return of Champions
The Eigminas Memorial was the venue for several inspiring performances: • Cameroonian Gold: One of the highlights was the performance of Cameroonian athlete Tonnis Blaise Njadju Nguemo, currently training in Vilnius. He won the gold medal in combat sambo, demonstrating a high level of preparation.
• A Paralympian’s Return: Paralympic judo bronze medalist Osvaldas Bareikis also competed in the tournament. Following surgery, he successfully competed in three matches and took second place in the 79 kg weight class. Bareikis described the tournament as an important step in his gradual return to top form and expressed hope for qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
• A Young Serviceman’s Success: 19-year-old Lithuanian serviceman Matas Jaugelis delivered an impressive performance, winning gold in combat sambo (88 kg) and bronze in sport sambo. Jaugelis praised the tournament’s warm atmosphere and the unity of the sambo community.
Following the main competition, children’s educational bouts were held at the same venue, reinforcing the Lithuanian Sambo Federation’s commitment to developing the sport among youth.
The participation of renowned sambo veterans and respected international judges added to the event’s prestige. The 18th Eigminas Memorial once again proved that Sambo is a global sport capable of uniting athletes from different continents under the banner of fair competition and sportsmanship.
Champions
Women
50 kg — Angelina Cikovkina (Lithuania)
59 kg — Paula Beorlegui (Spain)
72 kg — Gabija Verkauskaitė (Lithuania)
+72 kg — Danielle Batt (Great Britain)
Men
58 kg — Edgaras Kozlovas (Lithuania)
64 kg — Javier Lassa Iglesias (Spain)
71 kg — Nidijus Kasparavičius (Lithuania)
79 kg — Mindaugas Veržbickas (Lithuania)
88 kg — Donatas Juozėnas (Lithuania)
+88 kg — Thomas Humphrey (Great Britain)
Combat Sambo (Men)
71 kg — Tonnis Blaise Njaju Ngemo (Cameroon)
88 kg — Matas Jaugelis (Lithuania)
+88 kg — Kacper Edward Rutkowski (Poland)
Cadets
+64 kg (girls) — Roberta Kondrotaitė
+64 kg (boys) — Gabrielius Vilčinskas