Vladimir Shkalov, a five-time world sambo champion, has died at the age of 66, RIA Novosti reports, citing Renat Laishev, president of the Moscow Sambo Federation.
“Vladimir Shkalov is gone,” Laishev said. The cause of death has not been reported. In January 2023, Shkalov suffered a heart attack.
In addition to five sambo world champion titles in the weight class over 100 kg, Shkalov won gold at the judo world championships. He was also vice president of the Russian Judo Federation.