From Zero to Hero: How the Philippines Built a Sambo Powerhouse in Front of Hometown Fans
![Princess Aumagel Cortez smiles as she drapes the Philippine flag over her shoulders after clinching the 59kg women's class combat sambo gold in the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Saturday evening. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/PSC_0560-1-400x200.jpg)
The Philippines announced itself as an emerging sambo powerhouse after winning three gold medals at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Manila. Led by Aislinn Agnes Yap, Jomary Torres and Aumagel Princess Cortez, the host nation delivered its best-ever campaign against some of the region’s strongest competitors.
![Kazakhstan's Karakat Rakhybay raises her hands in victory after beating Filipina grappler women's youth -47-kilogram division of the 11th Asia-Oceania Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Wednesday evening. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design202-400x200.png)
![Sophia Nicole Divino pins E. Samatova of Kyrgyzstan during their Youth women’s -47kg preliminary bout at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Untitled-design187-400x200.png)