GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Sambo, the fast-rising martial arts discipline, was formally introduced in the Batang Pinoy Games 2025 on Thursday at the Dadiangas West Elementary covered court here.

National team member and world rank No. 2 Sydney Tancontian, who served as the tournament moderator, welcomed 80 participants from Manila, Caloocan, Davao, Muntinlupa and Baguio.

Tancontian also introduced the sport’s basic methods in both throwing and grappling as demonstrated by fellow national team members Joemarie Torres and Orlando Castillo.

Torres ranks No. 7 in the world women’s division while Castillo is at the 22nd spot in the men’s side.

“We are glad to introduce Sambo in this year’s edition of the Batang Pinoy Games. We expect more players to be interested to adapt or join Sambo in the succeeding edition of Batang Pinoy,” national team coach Ace Larida said.