The Pilipinas Sambo Federation Inc. (PSFI) is making a historic commitment to its birthplace by establishing a permanent training headquarters in Davao City. Following more than ten years of expansion and international achievements, the federation is now constructing roots that will transform the local sports landscape.
Vision for a World-Class Facility
During the recent Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, PSFI President Paolo L. Tancontian unveiled ambitious blueprints for a state-of-the-art training complex. The planned structure will encompass 600 square meters across three levels, featuring a glass-enclosed competition arena specifically designed for sambo alongside professional-grade strength and conditioning equipment.
"We will finally possess our own dedicated venue, our authentic home base. This facility will serve not only local athletes but also attract international attention," Tancontian emphasized during the forum at The Annes of SM City Davao. The federation has targeted March 20 of the coming year for the center's completion, positioning Davao as a potential global nexus for martial arts development.
Strategic International Partnerships
The federation's vision extends far beyond national borders. PSFI leadership plans to utilize the new facility to host international training camps, with preliminary invitations extended to elite teams from martial arts powerhouses like Japan and Russia. This initiative aims to elevate the Philippines' standing in global sambo circles and provide local athletes with unprecedented exposure to world-class training methodologies.
Momentum from Record-Breaking Championships
This announcement arrives on the heels of the extraordinarily successful 89th Araw ng Dabaw Sambo National Open Championship, conducted on March 17, 2026, at Sta. Ana National High School. The tournament witnessed an unprecedented participant turnout, with continuous competition stretching from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
"The tournament yielded exceptionally positive outcomes. Given the overwhelming number of participants, we probably should have scheduled it across two days. On the positive side, the massive participation allowed us to identify numerous promising new athletes," Tancontian reflected. The Philippine National Sambo Team demonstrated complete dominance at the event, securing an impressive fifteen gold medals.
Preparation for Major International Events
Tancontian highlighted that this national championship served as crucial preparation for several upcoming international competitions. The national team is now gearing up for the Martial Arts Festival in Tagaytay, followed by the Asian Oceania Championships, and an international competition in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
"Our calendar is packed with significant events this year and next. Following their dominant performance with fifteen gold medals, our national team is thoroughly prepared. This tournament provided excellent tuning, and their next challenge awaits in Mongolia," he stated confidently.
Establishing a Lasting Legacy
With construction of the permanent training center underway and local interest in sambo reaching new heights, the sport is undergoing a fundamental transformation in the Philippines. No longer merely an occasional visitor, sambo is now establishing enduring foundations in Davao City. This development promises to nurture future generations of athletes and solidify the country's reputation in the international martial arts community.
