The Russian President's Cup has been labelled "a strong friendly bridge" between Russia and Japan ©FIAS

The Japan Sambo Championships and Russian President's Cup remain scheduled to go ahead in February despite uncertainty the caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competition remains scheduled for February 7 next year, Nobuyuki Asai, chairman of the event's Executive Committee, told TASS.

The 2021 edition of the tournament is set to be the ninth Russian President's Cup held in Japan, with the 2020 verison attracting around 100 athletes.

It will be the 47th staging of the Japan Sambo Championships.

"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, domestic and international tournaments for sambo was cancelled or postponed, but the Russian President's Sambo Cup in Japan is being prepared to be held on February 7 2021," Asai said.

"The number of participants will be limited to a selection of up to eight wrestlers in each weight category, and the tournament will be held without spectators.

"This will be an unprecedented competition, but we are actively preparing for them and hope that they will be successful.

"All necessary measures to prevent the spread of the new virus will be strictly observed."

The Japan Sambo Championships and Russian President's Cup remain on February's calendar ©FIAS
The Japan Sambo Championships and Russian President's Cup remain on February's calendar ©FIAS

Asai also labelled the event "a strong friendly bridge" between Russia and Japan.

In 2013, it was used as a qualifier for the Universiade in Kazan, when sambo was part of the programme.

Japan won five sambo medals at Kazan 2013, finishing third in the medals table.

Sambo will once again be on the programme for the Yekaterinburg 2023 Summer World University Games.