Arthur Khaptsev form UMMC Sambo Club became the first ever Russian national champion in beach sambo

The first ever Russian Championship on beach sambo was held in Anapa at “Voleygrad” sports center and was attended by over 120 athletes from 25 regions of the country who competed for medals in four weight classes for women and men. Six athletes from Sverdlovsk region lift trophies at the historic event. Artur Khaptsev from UMMC Sambo Club won the champion title in the weight category over 88 kg. His teammate Ivan Sukhoguzov took the bronze medal in the up to 88 kg weight category.

Women medalists represented the Sambo and JudoS of Olympic Reserve and “Rodina” Sambo Club from Yekaterinburg. Silver medal went to Nadezhda Yeremeyeva (72+kg weight category), bronze medals were awarded to Olga Titova (U50 kg weight category), Gulfiya Mukhtarova (U59kg weight category) and Kamila Badurova (U72kg weight category).

The rules of beach sambo are quite different from the rules of sport sambo. The most decisive factor is, of course, the floor type, as the fight is not on the mat, but on loose sand. It requires much more physical efforts and therefore fights last for only three (not five) minutes. Ground wrestling in beach sambo does not exist, only a standing fight; the victory is awarded for the first successful hold.