Varun Walia, Kumari Homani given a warm-sendoff
Munish Sood
MANDI: In a proud and historic moment for Himachal Pradesh, two young athletes from Mandi district, Varun Walia and Kumari Homani, have been selected to represent India at the World Youth Savate Championship-2025 being held at Tashkent in Uzbekistan from July 23 to 27.
The Himachal Pradesh Savate Association has hailed the selection as a testament to the duo’s exceptional dedication, discipline and skills. Their achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the state’s growing presence on the global martial arts stage, the association said.
What is Savate?
Savate, also known as Boxe Française, is a unique French martial art that combines elegant kicking techniques with Western-style boxing. Unlike traditional kickboxing, Savate emphasises speed, strategy, precision and control over sheer power.
Known as “the thinking person’s kickboxing”, the sport is governed internationally by the Fédération Internationale de Savate (FISav), which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
Competitions in Savate are conducted in various formats, including Assaut (light contact), Pre-Combat (intermediate level) and Combat (full contact). India has been steadily building its presence in this sport and the inclusion of young talent like Varun and Homani on the world stage is a major boost for its development in the country.
National flag presented to athletes
Ahead of their departure to Uzbekistan, a send-off ceremony was held in Mandi where Himachal Pradesh Savate Association general secretary Santoshi Sharma presented the national flag to the athletes and extended her best wishes.
“This is a proud moment for our state. The selection of Varun and Homani will serve as a source of inspiration for young athletes across Himachal Pradesh and give a new direction to the growth of Savate in the region,” she said.
The association has extended its heartfelt congratulations and expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to make the country proud on the global platform.
