Pavel Selivanov was born on 21 June 1991 in Zaozerny, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia. He has won the silver and the bronze at the Championships of Russia among the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Pavel shared his life story with the FIAS website.
“One night, I woke up and realized that I just needed to go to train at Sambo club. By then I was totally unaware of competitions among the blind and visually impaired. I remember I could not sleep until morning. On the web, I found that there was a Mindiashvili Academy of Wrestling near my place. For a few days I doubted whether I should go there. But eventually I made my decision and did it. There I was warmly welcomed by both coaches and athletes.”
Over time, Paul found information online that the All-Russian Sambo Federation was developing Sambo for the blind and visually impaired.
“I contacted Roman Novikov, and he advised me to prepare for the 2018 Russian Championships. That’s how it all began. Before my first Russian championships, I almost quit Sambo as I was passing clinical examination. My doctor said that I was not recommended to engage in martial arts, as I can completely lose my eyesight. At first I got scared, but then I discussed everything with my wife and decided that this was my way,” tells Pavel.
Selivanov has a son growing up, he is 10 now, and he also practices Sambo.
“He is my great motivation, I am glad that I can be a model and object of pride to him. To me, Sambo is my life. I have plans to develop Sambo for the blind and visually impaired in Krasnoyarsk Krai. And, of course, to achieve greater heights in the sport,” says Pavel.
Source: sambo.sport
