The four-person panel was formed during the international federation's congress in Yerevan, Armenia, last November. Tancontian, 24, is the group's leader. She is the daughter of Paolo Tancontian, the president of the Pilipinas Sambo Federation, Inc.
"Coming from a country that just recently started the development of the sport, it became my mission to represent SAMBO in my country, the Philippines, and the Southeast Asia region. I applied for a position in the Athlete's Commission as a member back in 2019 because I was inspired by my predecessor, Mrs. Laure Fournier - a great athlete, an eloquent speaker, and a fantastic mentor. SAMBO has given me great opportunities to develop not only my athletic career but also helped me in my personal growth as an individual," Tancontian said.
"Now that I will be chairing this commission, it's my responsibility to create friendships and a safe space for my fellow athletes to speak up and voice their thoughts so that the sport will continue to grow and thrive through the athletes' voices," she said.
Tancontian won a gold medal in the 2022 Asian tournament and is a three-time world championship bronze winner in the plus 80 kg category.
Tancontian, who holds a Science in Fitness and Sports Management degree from the University of Santo Tomas, will preside over the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) Executive Committee.
Tancontian conveyed her appreciation for the country's sports support from the Philippine Sports Commission, FIAS, and President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino of the Philippine Olympic Committee.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)
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