Fedor Emelianenko announced as FIAS’ Ambassador

The SportAccord World Combat Games 2013 Sports Ambassadors Programme has announced Fedor Emelianenko as its first Ambassador. Sports Ambassadors will be engaged in promotion of their sports and the world of martial arts& combat sports as a whole via press conferences, radio and television interviews, as well as publications in International and Russian newspapers and magazines. Appointed by the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), Mr Emelianenko has been nominated for a special and a very noble assignment – to be a symbol of sambo.

Fedor Emelianenko (37) was born in Rubezhnoye, Ukraine and started his successful career in 1997 when he won the title ‘Master of Sports in Sambo’ (Russia). He gained world popularity thanks to his triumphant performance at mixed martial arts tournaments and was considered the best heavyweight fighter for the decade in which he remained undefeated. Among his achievements, he was crowned four-time Combat Sambo World Champion, seven-time Russian Champion, and was awarded the prestigious Order for Merit to the Fatherland (II class) and Order of Peter the Great (I class).

“Participation in these tournaments allows Sambo to be the most universal martial art suitable for mixed wrestling” said Fedor, who has gained experience from various wrestling types such as sambo, judo, boxing, and mixed martial arts. Mr Emelyanenko has a great number of supporters due to his overwhelming and flawless victories, sincere modesty and true nobleness. In 2011, he joined a prestigious “Champions for Peace” club. “It took me great determination and hard work to get everything I own. I think, the most important thing for anybody is not his gift but his diligence,” said Fedor of his professional achievements.

SportAccord’s General Director Mr Vlad Marinescu commented, “The Ambassador Programme is a perfect addition to the World Combat Games’ Cultural Programme presenting an excellent opportunity for the Ambassadors to serve as role models and heroes while promoting values of their sport in their home country, as well in an international context.”

About World Combat Games World Combat Games take place from 18-26 October 2013 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. SportAccord World Combat Games is an international sporting event which promotes values of self-control, determination and technical mastery, the Martial Arts and Combat Sports integrate elements of culture, wisdom, friendship to create an elite sports competition - the Art of Combat.

The Games will feature the world’s top athletes of 15 Martial Arts and Combat Sports; Aikido, Boxing, Fencing, Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kendo, Kickboxing, Muaythai, Sambo, Savate, Sumo, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu. Additionally, the Combat Games will feature a Cultural Programme reflecting the ancient traditions of martial arts as well as the social and cultural values of the 15 sports and the event as a whole.