Mandi Athletes Set to Shine at World Youth Savate Championship 2025

Celebrating Young Talent from Himachal Pradesh

Varun Walia and Kumari Homani Honored

Munish Sood
MANDI: A moment of pride has emerged for Himachal Pradesh as two promising athletes from Mandi district, Varun Walia and Kumari Homani, have been chosen to represent India at the World Youth Savate Championship-2025, scheduled to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from July 23 to 27.

The Himachal Pradesh Savate Association has praised this selection, highlighting it as a reflection of the athletes' remarkable commitment, discipline, and skill. This accomplishment marks not only a personal achievement for the duo but also a significant milestone for the state's increasing recognition in the global martial arts arena.

Understanding Savate

Savate, often referred to as Boxe Française, is a distinctive French martial art that merges graceful kicking techniques with Western boxing styles. Unlike conventional kickboxing, Savate prioritizes speed, strategy, precision, and control rather than just brute strength.

Dubbed “the thinking person’s kickboxing,” this sport is overseen internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Savate (FISav), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Competitions in Savate are held in various formats, including Assaut (light contact), Pre-Combat (intermediate level), and Combat (full contact). India has been progressively enhancing its footprint in this sport, and the participation of young talents like Varun and Homani on the world stage is a significant advancement for its growth in the country.

National Flag Ceremony for Athletes

Prior to their journey to Uzbekistan, a farewell ceremony took place in Mandi, where Santoshi Sharma, the general secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Savate Association, presented the national flag to the athletes and conveyed her best wishes.

“This is a proud moment for our state. The selection of Varun and Homani will inspire young athletes throughout Himachal Pradesh and pave the way for the advancement of Savate in the region,” she remarked.

The association has expressed its heartfelt congratulations and confidence in the athletes' potential to represent the country with pride on the international stage.