The Autonomous University of Mexico has held its first sambo event ©FIAS

The Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has organised its first sambo event, overseen by International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Athletes’ Commission member Angel Delgado.

Delgado was named UNAM Sambo Sports Association President last June.

The association sought to establish a university sambo event, which was held for the first time on May 7.

The event was held at the Faculty of Higher Studies in Zaragoza, with sambo having been added to the National University Sports Games programme for 2022.

Delgado said the event formed part of the qualification process for the Mexican Sambo Championships.

The FIAS Athletes’ Commission member added the development of the association and competition are part of efforts to grow the sport in Mexico.

Members of Mexico's national team participated at the event in Zaragoza ©FIAS
Members of Mexico's national team participated at the event in Zaragoza ©FIAS

"I feel very honoured to lead this association and play a role in development of sambo in Mexico, since a few years ago my mentor Antonio Ramírez Rebollar entrusted me with the task of incorporating sambo at UNAM," Delgado said.

"I accepted this challenge and would like to encourage more students to join our training sessions.

"This event was the internal qualification for Mexican Sambo Championship 2022.

"We formed a strong team with a lot of talents, representing the UNAM SAMBO Sports Association at National in June."

Uziel Estrada and Joselin Ramírez, members of Mexico’s national team, were among the participants in Zaragoza.

Both athletes have represented Mexico at continental level and at the World Sambo Championships.

The UNAM is considered as one of the best universities in Mexico.