Choosing Sambo for a New Challenge
For Yamiatul Listina, the journey to the podium at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON was about more than just a medal. The West Sumatra athlete has embarked on a new chapter in her martial arts career after transitioning from judo to sambo.
The Gadih Minang surprised many by securing a bronze medal in her debut at a major event like the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON. Few expected her to medal in sambo so quickly.
“I started in judo, training from seventh grade through college,” Yamiatul said at the Djarum Arena in Kudus recently.
For years, judo was Yamiatul’s home. However, in 2024, she decided to challenge herself by taking up sambo, a martial art originating from Russia.
Yamiatul competes in the women’s -50kg class. Despite having only one year to adapt to sambo’s techniques and rules, which differ from judo, she delivered a solid performance.
“I switched from judo to sambo because I had been in judo for a long time and wanted to try a new sport. It felt like a fresh challenge for me,” she explained.
For her, the decision to try sambo was not a whim, but a display of curiosity and a drive for growth. She acknowledges that while it shares similarities with judo, sambo requires agility, speed, and specific throwing techniques.
“My first experience in sambo was at the Bandung Open, and I felt comfortable from there. Then I got the opportunity to participate in the Martial Arts PON, and the result was quite rewarding,” said the student from the Indonesia University of Education (UPI) in Bandung.
Although she lacks international competition experience, Yamiatul is not ruling out future opportunities abroad. She continues to hone her skills in sambo.
She is actively seeking opportunities to compete in various regional and national tournaments. At the very least, winning a bronze medal has given the 20-year-old confidence to pursue greater achievements in future events.
“My next goal is certainly gold in the upcoming championship,” she said optimistically. (Gerry Putra)
source: www.ponbeladiri.com