Philippine Sambo Stars Shine with Double Bronze at World SAMBO Cup 2025 in Armenia

YEREVAN, ARMENIA — The Philippine national Sambo team made the country proud after securing two bronze medals at the prestigious World SAMBO Cup 2025, held in Yerevan, Armenia. The delegation was led by none other than World No. 1 in Women’s Sambo +80kg, Sydney Sy-Tancontian, a proud Davaoeña and a consistent force in international Sambo.

Sy-Tancontian delivered a strong performance in the Sport Sambo Women’s +80kg category, clinching the bronze medal. Sharing the podium with her was Elene Kebadze of Georgia, while Maryia Kandratsyeva (FIAS 2) claimed gold and Albina Cholombitko (FIAS 1) took silver.

Adding to the Philippines’ medal haul, Aislinn Agnes Yap also brought home a bronze in the Combat Sambo Women’s -80kg category, further cementing the presence of Filipina warriors on the global Sambo stage.

Marwin Quirante also represented the country in the Combat Sambo Men’s -58kg division, showcasing grit and determination against the world's best.

The remarkable achievements of the national sambists reflect the growing strength of the Philippines in the global Sambo community, highlighting the fruits of relentless training, discipline, and the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Pilipinas Sambo Federation.

"WORLD'S NUMBER ONE: Sydney Sy Tancontian Reigns Atop Global Sambo Rankings"

 

After an impressive string of performances on the world and Asian stage, Sydney Sy Tancontian of Pilipinas Sambo has achieved a historic milestone — claiming the top spot in the women's heavyweight category of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) world rankings.

A proud native of Davao City, Sydney amassed a total of 720 points, gaining an additional 11 points from her recent back-to-back stellar showings. This remarkable climb to number one is even more astounding considering she was only ranked 13th in 2024.

Sydney, the daughter of Pilipinas Sambo National President Paolo Tancontian, has long been a dominant force in the sport. She is a multiple-gold medalist in the Asian Sambo Championships, earning her the title of "Asian Sambo Queen."

Beyond her prowess on the mat, Sydney also shines in leadership. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Athletes' Commission of FIAS, following two consecutive terms as commissioner.

A true scholar-athlete, Sydney is pursuing her studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where she once ruled the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's judo division, securing the title for four straight years.

Sydney Sy Tancontian's rise to the world's number one spot is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and excellence — a shining inspiration for Filipino athletes everywhere.

Sydney Sy-Tancontian Shines Gold at Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Uzbekistan

 

                        

Photo courtesy: Pilipinas SAMBO Federation Inc. - PSFI

DAVAO CITY — Davaoeña pride Sydney Sy-Tancontian once again brought honor to the Philippines as she stood tall at the podium, claiming the gold medal in the Women’s +80kg Sport Sambo category at the prestigious Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Sy-Tancontian showcased her strength and skill by defeating Mongolia’s Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir in a thrilling final bout. Her victory helped propel the Philippines to third place in the overall medal tally with an impressive haul of two golds and one silver.

Also representing the country with pride were athletes Mark Edward Striegl and Orlando Castillo Jr., who delivered remarkable performances against tough competition from across the region.

This golden triumph not only highlights the excellence of Filipino athletes on the international stage but also affirms that indeed, #BidaAngBayaningManlalaro!

Pilipinas Sambo won 2 silver medals in 2024 Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships 1st day

 

Macau, China - The Philippine Sambo national team won two silver medals from , two-time Asian champion Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Paris Open titlist Aislinn Yap on the first day of the competition of the 2024 Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at Forum de Macau Stadium. 

The six-time World medalists are happy in the runner-up finish after Feruza Khurozova of Uzbekistan scored 1-6 in the women's over+80kgs division.

The 24-year-old Davaoena multi-medalist has returned to the prestigious competition after a year in hiatus in the field after reaching the 2019 New Delhi, India and 2022 Jouneih, Lebanon editions. Sy-Tanctontian’s graduation from the University of Santo Tomas and being busy with the activities of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) as the chairperson of the FIAS Athletes Commission have been an important point of attention. 

Sy-Tancontian was the first to score 1-0 because of the penalty, but saw a way for the Uzbek samboist to turn around to score 1-2 towards the grounds to win the 1-6 advantage. 

Yap was beaten by Madina Yerzhan of Kazakhstan to finished in the final of the women's under-80kgs in the silver medal.

The 26-year-old 2024 Judo National double gold medalist won her bronze medal in the 2023 edition in Astana, Kazakhstan in the same category, while hoping to enter the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China in competing in the women's combat sambo in both divisions. 

Philippines Sambo Federation Inc. President Paolo Tancontian who despite the impressive performance of the national team from the seven representatives of the country for sports sambo still hope the country can compete more in Asia since most world champions comes from Asia.

"I consider this a good performance from our athletes compared to last year because we improve a lot in terms of medal we obtain, however we still have a lot of room for improvement and everyday is a learning process becuse Asia is considered a world class level and strong really this," said 

At the 2025 World Games for combat sports, Tancontian hoped they could get slots for Yap, Marianne Mariano (women's 59kgs), Jomary Torres (woman's 54kgs) and Robin Catalan (men's 58kgs). 

Philippine Sports Commission Celebrates Pilipinas Sambo's Triumph at 2024 Bandung SAMBO Open

 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), under the leadership of Chairman Richard Bachmann and Commissioner Matthew 'Fritz' Gaston, proudly acknowledges the outstanding victory of Pilipinas Sambo in the recently concluded 2024 Bandung SAMBO Open held in Indonesia.

Pilipinas Sambo, led by their dedicated coaches Ace Larida and Sydney Sy Tancontian, achieved remarkable success by securing a total of 10 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals across various categories in both Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo disciplines.

Among the standout performers were:

• Amangel Cortez who clinched 2 gold medals in Women's Sport Sambo (-59 kg).
• Troy Anthony Legaspi with a gold and bronze in Men's Sport Sambo (-64 kg).
• Cresente Navarres who earned gold and bronze in Men's Sport Sambo (-71 kg).
• Angelique Cortez who brought home 2 silvers in Women's Sport Sambo (-59 kg).
• John McLeary Ornido who dominated Men's Combat Sambo (-71 kg) with 2 gold medals.
• James Torres, securing gold in Women's Combat Sambo (-54 kg).
• Edemel Catalan, achieving gold and silver in Men's Combat Sambo (-58 kg).
• Jiar Castillo, who claimed gold and bronze in Men's Combat Sambo (-64 kg).
• Jelord Alvares, contributing with gold and bronze in Men's Combat Sambo (-58 kg).

The exceptional performance of these athletes not only demonstrates their individual skill and dedication but also reflects the strength of Philippine Sambo on the international stage. Their victories are a testament to the rigorous training and unwavering support from their coaches and the entire Pilipinas Sambo organization.

Paolo Tancontian, President of Pilipinas Sambo, expressed his elation over the team's success and emphasized the significance of their achievements in promoting the sport of Sambo in the Philippines.

The PSC extends its congratulations to Pilipinas Sambo for their outstanding performance and wishes them continued success as they inspire the nation with their athletic prowess. With their triumphs in Bandung, these athletes truly embody the spirit of #BidaAngBayaningManlalaro, showcasing excellence and sportsmanship on the international stage.(Romeo Braceros Jr )

Davaoena was elected as athlete representative in the World Sambo body

During a recent online meeting, Davaoena Sydney Sy Tancontian was voted as the first Filipino chairperson of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Athletes Commission.

The four-member panel, led by Tancontian, 24, the daughter of Paolo Tancontian, the Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. president, was established during the international federation's assembly held in Yerevan, Armenia, last November.

"Coming from a country that just recently started the development of the sport, it became my mission to represent SAMBO in my country, the Philippines, and the Southeast Asia region. I applied for a position in the Athlete's Commission as a member back in 2019 because I was inspired by my predecessor, Mrs. Laure Fournier - a great athlete, an eloquent speaker, and a fantastic mentor. SAMBO has given me great opportunities to develop not only my athletic career but also helped me in my personal growth as an individual," Tancontian said.

"Now that I will be chairing this commission, it's my responsibility to create friendships and a safe space for my fellow athletes to speak up and voice their thoughts so that the sport will continue to grow and thrive through the athletes' voices," Tancontian added. 

Tancontian is a three-time bronze medallist in the plus 80 kg division at the world championships and won a gold medal in the 2022 Asian tournament.

Tancontian, who graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a Science in Fitness and Sports Management degree, will serve as chairperson of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Executive Committee.

Tancontian expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission, FIAS, and President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino of the Philippine Olympic Committee for supporting the sport in the nation. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Sydney Sy Tancontian set to promote Sambo as a sport and fitness routine

 

DAVAO CITY- Davaoena Sambo practitioner Sydney Sy Tancontian will spend time promoting Sambo as a sports and fitness routine while waiting for her next international Sambo competition.

Guesting before the weekly PSC Radio Hour last November 20, Tancontian, who won the bronze medal in the 2020 World  Sambo Championships held in Novi Sad, Serbia. last November 8, said she will exert effort to propagate Pilipinas Sambo in the Philippines.

"Ang Sambo ay hindi lang sports puede din ito pang fitness", Tancontian said.

Tancontian said once the people can try it Sambo is a good fitness routine as well and not just a sport.

The 20-year-old Davaoena won the bronze medal earlier in the 80-kilogram Women's senior category after beating Spain’s Evadne Huecas with a score of 2-1.

She said her bronze medal is due to her hard work and experience.

Tancontian revealed traveling to Serbia alone and without a coach is very hard but because of her hard work and determination, still, she was able to bring home a medal for the Philippines.

‘Hindi po naging ganun kadali itong naging biyahe at paglalaro ko. Isa po sa mga pagsubok ay ang pagbiyahe ko ng mag–isa. Lahat po ng ito ay hindi mangyayari kung wala pong tiyaga na ginugol para matuloy at makapaglaro ako,” Tancontian said in a Facebook post.

The Davaeona said she is very happy to win and bring herself to the world-caliber stage once again especially in the senior’s division.

She also took the time to thank all those people who supported her journey to the competition.

“Gusto ko pong magpasalamat sa International Sambo Federation (FIAS), Pilipinas Sambo, sa mga magulang ko, Sir Mike, Coach Ge, Doc Audan, Indonesia Sambo sa pag assist at sa iba po na hindi ko naimention, Salamat po,” she said. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davaoeno Sydney Sy Tancontian targets medal in World Sambo Championship in Serbia

 

DAVAOENO Sydney Sy Tancontian (center)

DAVAO CITY---DAVAOENO Sydney Sy Tancontian hopes to bring honor to his hometown and the Philippines in general when she competes in the World Sambo Championship in Serbia in November.

Tancontian is currently training hard to win some medals in the prestigious competition participated in by some of the top Sambo practitioners in the world.

The Davaoeno who is also a judo varsity of the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP is confident of her chances of winning a medal in the tournament.

In the 2019 World Youth and Juniors Sambo Championship, Tancontian won a bronze medal.

In the 2019 Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines, Tancontian won the bronze medal in kurash competition.

Sambo is a growing sport in the Philippines and some of its top officials are based in Davao City.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)