"A True School of Character": Congo's First Hand-to-Hand Combat Tournament
The International Federation of Hand-to-Hand Combat, with the support of the GlobUs association, successfully held the first hand-to-hand combat tournament in Brazzaville. The competition was part of the Year of Youth, declared by the Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso.
The event was attended by high-ranking guests. Local Development Minister Juste Désiré Mondele noted that the combination of sport and education fosters discipline and makes young people the pride of the country. Russian Ambassador to Congo Ilyas Iskandarov emphasized that this sport is a "true school of character," instilling responsibility, self-control, and the ability to protect loved ones.
Over 90 athletes participated in the tournament: children and adults, men and women. The majority were young Congolese who, as GlobUs founder Yulia Berg emphasized, are taking responsibility for their future.
GR-Group founder Andrey Gromov emphasized that Congolese youth actively participates in the country's life and contribute to its development.
Following the competition program, judges — Congolese referees, Russian Master of Sports and coach of the Russian hand-to-hand combat team Sergey Machulin, and World and European Taekwondo Champion Anastasia Aleshina — determined the strongest athletes in 20 categories.
Preparations for the tournament began in September, with the school opening. In just three months, the athletes have not only tested their strength but also achieved impressive results.