The tournament, which acted as a test event for the 27th Summer Universiade in the Tatarstan capital in 2013, welcomed 191 sambo wrestlers aged 27 years old and under from 38 countries to compete for podium spots in 18 medal events – 18 gold, 18 silver and 36 bronze.

Shestakov showered praise on the event at a press conference held to evaluate preparations for the Sambo World Cup and explained how this bodes well for the successful execution of Kazan 2013.

"Today we are witnessing a landmark event – a sambo test competition," he said.

"A lot of countries came to compete here.

"I hope that there will be even more participants in the Universiade in 2013.

"I would like to thank the hosts – everything is brilliantly organised and meets highest professional standards.

"Judging, media relations, security – everything complies with international requirements.

"The organisers are well prepared.

"I think that the Universiade will be held at the same highest level."

Vasily Shestakov (left) said the University Sambo World Cup in Kazan met the highest professional standards

Meanwhile, a number of high-profile figures also attended the competition, including International University Sports Federation (FISU) first vice-president and Russian Student Sports Union (RSSU) President Oleg Matytsin.

He explained how he believed sambo was deservedly added to the programme of the 2013 Summer Universiade and stressed the importance of such high-profile competitions to young athletes.

"The value of all university competitions held under the auspices of FISU lies in a chance to upgrade skills," he said.

"It's a very high-profile tournament for students.

"Most athletes are already members of national teams.

"After winning this competition they are likely to seek to defend their country's honour at the Universiade."

Also at the press conference was Tatarstan Minister of Youth Affairs, Sports and Tourism Rafis Burganov, President of the All-Russian and European Sambo Federations Sergey Eliseev, FIAS executive director Sergey Tabakov and President of the Tatarstan Sambo Federation Ivan Egorov.

Tabakov explained how the high-profile competition has been a new experience for FIAS.

"It's very important for us to get integrated in multi-sport events," he said.

"We must meet IOC (International Olympic Committee) and FISU requirements and learn to host such competitions.

"We need to eliminate all existing drawbacks and to ensure that everything goes smoothly during the Universiade.

"Spectators and athletes must remember the Kazan Universiade for the rest of their lives."

Hosts Team Russia topped the medal table with 11 medals, including three golds from Vladimir Balykov, in the men's 68kg event, Nikolay Lapshin in the men's 57kg and Islam Abazov in the men's 100kg.

"I have a huge desire to represent Russia at the Universiade; it's the second largest sporting event following the Olympic Games," said Balykov, who plans to continue his medal streak during the 2013 Summer Universiade.

"Indeed, it's a great pride to compete for Russia.

"My heart fills with joy every time the Russian national team wins."

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November 2012:Kazan hosts University Sambo World Cup