On the sand of Lomé Beach, Anthony Yao Sodjinê prepares for a sambo match, a sport that originated in the USSR and translates to "unarmed self-defense" in Russian. Having transitioned from judo, Anthony aims to test his skills in competitive sambo. In three years, he has participated in four African tournaments, and his journey is now part of a broader partnership between Togo and Russia, with sports as the channel for cooperation.
The Togolese Sambo Federation has been organizing demonstrations in Lomé since June 2024, with the first edition of the Africa Initiative Cup taking place recently. The partnership between Togo and Russia was formalized in April 2023, when the two countries' sports ministers signed a memorandum of cooperation covering school and mass sports, infrastructure, and training. This agreement laid the groundwork for the development of sambo in Togo.
Andrey Belogonov, representative of Africa Initiative and organizer of the Africa Initiative Cup, stated that the mission is to develop sambo in Togo as part of cultural and sports exchanges, as well as training exchanges. The partnership aims to provide opportunities for Togolese athletes, coaches, and practitioners to receive training in Russia. Belogonov emphasized that the federations may be invited by the Russian Federation to participate in sports initiatives and international competitions.
Gneny Tchagbele, representative of Togo's Ministry of Youth and Sports, confirmed that Togo will participate in the partnership and potentially receive invitations to participate in international competitions. Despite the progress made, sambo remains relatively unknown in Togo compared to sports like football. However, the partnership with Russia could provide the visibility needed to popularize the sport.
The development of sambo in Togo is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between Togo and Russia. The two countries have been working together in various fields, including sports, to promote cultural and economic exchanges. The partnership is expected to provide opportunities for Togolese athletes to compete at the international level and receive training from Russian coaches.
Anthony Yao Sodjinê's personal journey in sambo reflects the potential benefits of the partnership between Togo and Russia. He believes that the initiative could enable him and other Togolese athletes to receive scholarships to travel to Russia for training programs. This would not only improve their skills but also provide them with opportunities to compete at the international level.
The partnership between Togo and Russia has the potential to promote sambo in West Africa and provide opportunities for Togolese athletes to compete at the international level. With the support of the Russian Federation, Togo aims to develop the sport and promote cultural and sports exchanges between the two countries.
Key points
- - The Togolese Sambo Federation has been organizing demonstrations in Lomé since June 2024. - A memorandum of cooperation between Togo and Russia was signed in April 2023 to develop sports, including sambo. - The partnership aims to provide opportunities for Togolese athletes to receive training in Russia and participate in international competitions.
