Filipino female sambist Sydni Si Tankontyan proved once again why she remains a dominating force in the sport, winning the championship title in the women's +80 kg category at the Asian and Oceanian championships in Sambo, which took place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Her victory became a major event for the Philippines, contributing to the overall success of the country, which garnered two gold medals and one silver in this prestigious continental tournament.
Tankontyan, an experienced participant in international sambo competitions, ranked third in the overall team standings in the Adult categories of Women’s, Combat and Disabled category.
The first gold for the Philippines at this tournament came from Aislin Yap in the women’s -80 kg category in sport sambo, demonstrating the growing potential of Filipino talent in both sports and combat sambo. Her return to the top followed after two consecutive silver medals in previous competitions, signaling a strong comeback from the athlete from Davao.
The Philippines showcased good results at the 2025 tournament, where Aislin Agnes Yap and Sydni Si Tankontyan won gold medals, and Richmond Revina secured a silver medal. The only silver medal for the country was won by heavyweight-sambo fighter Richmond Revina, who displayed resilience and skill in the men's -64 kg category SVI-1.
In the final, she secured victory over Ser-Ochir Buuyanzaya from Mongolia with a score of 3-0, reclaiming the title she last held in 2022. This win marked for Tankontyan her third title as Asian champion, following victories in 2019 and 2022.
Despite early setbacks, the overall performance of the team highlighted the continued rise of the Philippines in Asian sambo, with this return to the top being a significant event for the campaign. She managed to defeat Kazakhstan's sportswoman Ayralin Abenova — a world champion and former Asian champion — narrowly, but strategically winning 1-0 in the semifinals.
