Twenty countries from the continent are scheduled to compete with a maximum of one representative from each nation participating in each weight category.

These nations are Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay and Venezuela.

It is the first time Costa Rica has hosted the competition and Guillermo Sanchez, the President of the Sambo and Associated Sports Federation of Costa Rica, believes the landmark moment will be a success.

"We are very proud that Costa Rica has become the host country of the Pan American Sambo Championships this year and we are making every effort to make the tournament memorable for all spectators and participants," he said.

"I want to note the work of each member of the Organising Committee team, as well as the great support that the National Olympic Committee of the country provides us in organising the competition.

"I am sure that holding the Continental Championships in Costa Rica will give a powerful new impetus to the development of sambo not only in our country, but throughout Central America."

The Pan American Sambo Championships are due to be staged between September 9 and 10 with the beach sambo tournament following the day after.