With need to spar, Sy trains in Paris
Projected as a clear gold medal contender in the Asian Games, sambo fighter Sydney Sy can only realize her potential once she faces technically sound sparring partners her size on a consistent basis.
The Davao-based Sy will thus go to Paris, a month before representing flag and country in the 2021 Sambo World Championship slated Nov. 12-14 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Sy, a bronze medalist in the women’s seniors 80-kilogram division of the world championship last year in Novi Sad, Serbia, will train at Paris University Club of Sambo and Monteliers Sporting Club where some of the finest sambo fighters in western Europe hone their skills.
Pilipinas Sambo Federation president Paolo Tancontian said the lack of sparring partners in the Philippines prompted the federation to facilitate Sy’s Paris trip that would likewise benefit her in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
“There are only a few Sambo fighters in her weight class here in the country. The strict health protocols locally also prohibits contact sports training,’’ said Tancontian, the newly-elected sambo chief whose sport is expected to see action in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. INQ
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