Bălți, Republic of Moldova — The second half of February 2026 became a true celebration of martial arts in the Republic of Moldova. The country’s northern capital, Bălți, became the main training and competition center for sambo wrestlers from all regions of the country.
The events began on February 14th. On that day, a seminar and training camp were held in the northern capital of Moldova. Representatives from seven cities in the northern regions of the country participated in the event. The joint work of coaches and athletes allowed not only to exchange experiences but also to thoroughly analyze sambo techniques and tactics, providing an excellent foundation for subsequent competitions.
The culmination of the sports marathon was the Moldovan Sambo Championship among youth, which took place from February 20th to 22nd. The famous Boris Petuhov Sports Hall in Bălți served as the arena for the heated battles.
The tournament demonstrated an impressive scale: 380 athletes, representing all cities and regions of the Republic of Moldova, took to the mat. Competition was extremely fierce, as at stake was not only the title of national champion but also the right to represent Moldova on the international stage.
The main focus of the competition was the battle for spots at the upcoming 2026 European Championship. The winners in their weight categories were officially included in the national team and will now begin intensive training for the continental championship.
“Such activity and participation at the beginning of the year demonstrate that sambo is a popular sport in Moldova. We saw very talented athletes who are ready to compete for the highest medals at the international level,” noted Moldovan Sambo Federation President Iulii Peaticovschi.
The past week in Moldova once again demonstrated that generational continuity and a systematic approach to training—from regional seminars to national championships—remain the key to the success of the Moldovan Sambo school.