[MATCHPOINT EXCLUSIVE] Filipino athlete Sydney Sy has officially climbed to the top of the world rankings in the women’s 88kg division of sport Sambo, jumping 11 spots to claim the No. 1 position.
The former Judo athlete surpassed Kazakhstan’s Arailyn Abenova, who dropped to fifth place, in the latest global rankings.
Sy described the moment as the culmination of years of hard work: “It took seven years of being a Sambist before I finally became number one. Since I was young, my dream to be number one just kept growing — and I think that ambition is one of the keys that got me here.”
In an exclusive interview on DZRHTV Matchpoint with Millie Borja, Sy explained how Sambo, a dynamic martial art with Russian origins, is structured into two disciplines — Sport Sambo and Combat Sambo.
“In Sport Sambo, the points are more on the throw and pin down, while in Combat Sambo, even knockdowns and knockouts are scored,” Sy explained. “It’s like ‘balibagan’ with structure.”
Known for its deeply respectful and friendly culture, Sambo is dominated internationally by countries like Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
But thanks to Sy and her peers, the Philippines is starting to earn its own place on the global stage.
From athlete to leader
Sy also wears another hat — Chairperson of the International Sambo Federation Athletes’ Commission. She’s set to fly to Switzerland next month to represent athletes at the IOC’s Athletes’ 365 Forum.
She said juggling leadership responsibilities and competition is nothing new. “I was introduced to this system early. I became a member of the athletes' commission in 2019, and by 2024, I was elected chairperson.”
Despite a hectic competition schedule, which recently saw her travel back and forth from the U.S. to Asia, Sy stayed focused on her mission.
“Sambo gave me so many opportunities. I wouldn’t even be speaking like this if it weren’t for Sambo. That’s why my goal now is to give back.”
From Judo to Sambo
Sy’s journey into the sport began with Judo at age 8, training alongside her sibling under their father, who is also their coach. Sambo entered their lives in 2012, during a competition in Singapore, and became a bigger part of their journey after the Asian Sambo Federation introduced the sport in Davao City in 2015.
On what’s next, Sy revealed that the team is preparing for several international tournaments in Armenia and France, all leading to the World Championships in November, where she hopes to not just defend her rank — but finally become a world champion.
Reflecting on Sambo’s rise, Sy believes the sport is in its Golden Era in the Philippines.
“In our last tournament, we had five athletes and won two gold medals. We even placed Top 3 overall. Now, we’re focusing on grassroots development. It’s time to build from the bottom up.”
As a proud product of that very grassroots system, she urged young Filipinos to be curious and brave:
“If you’re someone looking to try something new — try Sambo. There’s no harm in trying. You’ll never know where you belong if you don’t try.”
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Researcher: Jhonel Densing
