Macau held its first sambo seminar for three years this week ©Macau Sambo Association

Macau has staged a seminar for sambo coaches and referees for the first time in three years after COVID-19 restrictions were relaxed.

The event was led by International Sambo Federation (FIAS) referee Jeremia Fong from Hong Kong and Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania vice-president and general director Suresh Gopi.

Hong Kong China Sambo President Chan Kin Chun Ken also joined the group for the two-day course.

It followed a seminar for referees held before the national championships in Hong Kong China also led by Jeremia and Gopi.

"The presence of representatives of Hong Kong Sambo made it possible not only to exchange experiences, but also to establish close friendly ties between the two organisations," Gopi said.

Coaches and aspiring referees participated in the session in Macau ©Macau Sambo Association
Coaches and aspiring referees participated in the session in Macau ©Macau Sambo Association

Macau, a special administrative area of China, has a population reported to be around 695,168 at the end of 2022. 

"It is officially recognized as the most densely populated region in the world, which means it has great potential to attract new sambo fans," FIAS said.

The seminar was organised to train more coaches and referees in the sport in Macau.

The course included examinations for referees at which six of the 13 participants received national diplomas.

The unsuccessful applicants will be examined again at the next seminar.