Bangladesh's SAMBO hopes rise as Hridoy, Nazmul head to Tashkent

Bangladesh is sending a three-member delegation to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for the 50th World SAMBO Championships, with Hridoy Sheikh and Nazmul Hasan aiming to make their mark on the international stage from 6 to 8 November.

The delegation will be led by Bangladesh SAMBO and Kurash Association (BSKA) Secretary General Md Humayun Kabir, while Hridoy and Nazmul will represent Bangladesh at the prestigious championships organised by the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS).

The jubilee edition will be held at the Game Sports Arena, Olympic Village, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bringing together competitors from more than 90 countries. The programme features Sport SAMBO, Combat SAMBO and Blind SAMBO for men and women, with 33 sets of medals at stake.

For Bangladesh, however, the focus will be firmly on the two athletes seeking to turn recent promise into a performance on the world stage. Hridoy and Nazmul have both shown encouraging form ahead of the assignment. Hridoy won gold and Nazmul silver at the Martial Arts Club Cup 2026, results that have raised hopes of competitive performances in Tashkent.

BSKA President RM Faizur Rahman and First Vice President Md Shariful Alam are also hopeful of the pair's prospects, expecting them to make the most of their ability, experience and preparation.

The participation also represents another step in Bangladesh's efforts to develop SAMBO and gain a stronger foothold in international competition. The BSKA, Bangladesh's national SAMBO and Kurash association, is affiliated with FIAS. 

The championships will also be a landmark occasion for FIAS, with women's Blind SAMBO included in the World Championships for the first time. According to the association, FIAS has provided the delegation's air tickets, while the Uzbekistan SAMBO Association will cover accommodation, meals and local transport. The arrangements mean no financial burden will fall on the BSKA or the National Sports Council.

For Hridoy and Nazmul, Tashkent is more than an international assignment. It is an opportunity to measure themselves against the best, build valuable experience and put Bangladesh's name firmly on the SAMBO map.