In the era of globalisation, when national economies are closely intertwined, and the whole planet functions as one, the world's population faces such drastic radical measures for the first time ever. Nevertheless, the most important thing now is not to panic, as panic can do more harm than the disease itself.

Certainly, any virus is more or less hazardous, yet let us not forget that viruses are part of our lives, like sunrise or morning dew. They have always been around, and so they will be, accompanying every living being on Earth.

At present, laboratories worldwide are working on a vaccine, so we need to be hopeful and optimistic about the future and seek to benefit from what is happening to us right now. 

True, the coronavirus outbreak affected each and every sports fan - the postponement of the Olympics, of Euro 2020 and other major competitions ruined the plans of millions. This had an impact upon the entire SAMBO community as well.

Athletes, coaches, referees and spectators alike were eagerly awaiting the Kharlampiev World Cup, the continental Championships in Russia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Colombia, and the first World Beach SAMBO Championships in Cyprus scheduled for the first six months, but the disease made its readjustments. 

The Executive Committee of the International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) decided to defer all its international tournaments to the second half of 2020, if the epidemiological situation permits. 

The peculiarity of our competitions is that we cannot stage a single major tournament without jeopardising the health of athletes, even if it is held with empty stands. The fact is that our competitions are always attended by a large number of athletes. 

And even if you intentionally dismiss the spectators, the sheer number of participants would be at least 450–500. And this poses serious risks to the athletes’ health.   

But as you know, problems are only opportunities in work clothes.  And if we are not able to carry out events offline, then we will exercise online. Happily, one can practice a wide variety of techniques at home by using special exercise machines and training equipment. Besides, training can be done outdoors, weather permitting.

So, in late March, FIAS launched a challenge called "Only Together We’ll Defeat the Coronavirus." The campaign suggested that the athletes practice throws and submission holds using a special dummy with the “COVID-19” inscription on its chest and a crown drawn over its head. 

The challenge was intended to raise the spirits and consolidate us in the struggle against this global disaster. It was a pleasant surprise for me that the challenge was supported by athletes from 89 countries across the world.

The next online event was the participation of FIAS in the “White Card” campaign held by the “Peace and Sport” at the beginning of the month. This campaign is held annually on April 6 on International Sports Day for the benefit of global development and peace.

Its goal is to facilitate peace through sports. Sambists from all over the world also responded with pleasure to our call by posting numerous photos and videos in support of this promotion.

Now we are working on a new format of sports events in conditions of a mass lockdown. Chances are we will stage online competitions that in the initial stage are going to be entertaining in their nature and resemble demonstration SAMBO, in which athletes perform to music.

Perhaps these will be mixed competitions in which sambists should prove their superiority in both the sports and the brain departments.

Despite the success of several countries in their fight against coronavirus disease, its outbreak is still ongoing. But I think that even today we can envisage how our life will change following the disease localisation.

We will appreciate our freedom with renewed vigour - athletes will look forward to the next workout in the gym or a morning jogging in the park, and spectators will count the minutes in anticipation of the next title fight. 

This pandemic has taught us a lot and made us stronger. And today, the main thing for us is to go through this time span with dignity, to keep walking tall.

Indeed, it is at this moment, day after day, that we are growing inwardly. Having passed this stage with honour, we will be ready not only for such disasters but also for any other challenges that can turn our usual way of life upside down.