Sambo is enjoying a rare moment in the international spotlight during two days of competition at the second European Games in Minsk.

Little-known outside the former Eastern Bloc, the sport nevertheless has big ambitions – and is increasingly confident of inclusion in the Olympic programme.

As it flexes its muscles and aims to make a global impression, Press Association Sport looks at the big questions around the sport.

What’s in a name?

Sambo
Sambo is an amalgamation of a number of other martial arts (Martin Rickett/PA)

What exactly is it?

Military fans watch the sambo in Minsk (Martin Rickett/PA)

Who wins it?

European Games 2019 – Day Three
Russia’s Sergey Ryabov was on top of his 90kg match (Martin Rickett/PA)

Who is its most famous face?

Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin started competing in sambo at the age of 14 (Matt Cardy/PA)

Is it really going to reach the Olympics?

Sambo
Sambo is confident of inclusion in the Olympics (Stefan Rousseau/PA)