MANILA – Sydney Sy Tancontian made history for the Philippines after winning a medal in the 80th World Sambo Championships in Bucharest, Romania.
The 18-year-old Davao native snatched a bronze in women’s 80kg category that gathered 11 athletes, mostly from European countries.
It was the first time that the Philippines won a medal in world competition for the Russian martial art and combat sport.
Tancontian, a University of Santo Tomas standout, kicked off her campaign with a loss to Anna Balashova of Russia on penalty.
She then defeated Caridad Nieves Mirtha of Cuba in the repechagge 2-1 and Karina Stefanovic of Lithuania in the bronze medal match 2-1.
Sydney’s background in wrestling, judo and jiujitsu gave her some advantage in the tournament, said Sambo Pilipinas secretary-general Paolo Tancontian, also the coach of the Philippine sambo team.
“Maganda ang foundation ni Sydney because she played wrestling, judo and jujitsu,” Paolo told Radyo Pilipinas 2. “Mahusay siya sa grappling at nagtaas siya ng weight division. Siya ngayon pinakamaliit sa 80kg pero pinakamabilis.”
Sydney’s bronze medal feat will also serve as a motivation for other members of the Philippine sambo team ahead of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games that the Philippines will host, said Paolo./PN
