MANILA, Philippines — Agnes Yap successfully defended her title in the 2026 Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, leading the Philippines’ three-gold haul in front of the home crowd.
Yap edged Kazakhstan’s Zamzagul Faizollanova, 1-0, in the women’s -80-kilogram combat sambo final to capture her second straight championship in the tournament.
The victory carried extra meaning for the Filipino grappler as it came with the Philippines hosting the continental meet.
“I am so happy because I defended my title. It is more fulfilling since we are the host country, and it feels good to give back to the country,” Yap said.
“I am trying not to be overconfident. What I think is that the match should be safe, and I’ll have no regrets the moment I step outside of the mat,” she added.
Yap prevailed in a tightly contested final, with both fighters securing pins before technical officials awarded her the narrow 1-0 victory.
Despite retaining her crown, Yap said she remains focused on improving.
“Definitely, I should train more and improve, and work more on my lapses. I really want, and I hopefully want to give more medals to the country,” she said.
“This win is for Philippine Sambo because I wouldn’t be here without them, and I am really grateful for their trust.”
The Philippines also struck gold through Jomary Torres and Aumagel Princess Cortez.
World No. 7 Torres defeated Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Paiyz in the women’s 50kg combat sambo final, while Cortez topped another Kazakh opponent, Mervet Berdihanakova, to rule the women’s 59kg combat sambo division.
