Tajikistan has decided to skip the World Sambo Championships that kick off in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek, on November 11, following violent clashes along a disputed segment of the Tajik-Kyrgyz border in September that left dozens dead on both sides. Tajik Sambo Federation officials told RFE/RL that the decision was made due to safety concerns. Almost 50 nations will be represented at the event, which runs until November 13. Sambo -- a Russian acronym that stands for "self-defense without weapons" -- was developed as a martial art in the Soviet Union beginning in the 1920s. To read the original story from RFE/RL's Tajik Service, click here.
Citing Safety Concerns, Tajikistan Skips Sambo World Championships In Bishkek
ambo wrestling was developed as a martial art in the Soviet Union beginning in the 1920s.