Rahul Srivastava appointed head coach of Indian team for World Youth Savate Championship in Uzbekistan; 2 of 3 participating players from Himachal

TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA:
E Rahul Srivastava, one of India’s most experienced Savate (French Boxing) coaches and Secretary of the Bihar State Savate Association, has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Indian team for the upcoming World Youth Savate Championship-2025, scheduled to be held at Tashkent in Uzbekistan from July 23 to 28, 2025.

The national governing body for Savate in India made this decision in recognition of Srivastava’s long-standing contributions, expertise and popularity in the field. Under his leadership, Indian athletes have made their mark across multiple international competitions, securing over 50 international medals in Savate, a feat unmatched in Indian Savate history.

The Indian team travelling to Uzbekistan includes promising athletes Varun Walia and Homani from Himachal Pradesh, and Sweety Kumari from Bihar. These selections were made based on the athletes’ performance, dedication and potential.

Srivastava has previously guided Indian athletes to remarkable success as under him, India secured 10 medals in the Asian Sikh Games 2021; six medals at the Asian Savate Championship 2022 (Bangladesh); 19 medals at the South Asian Savate Championship 2025; eight medals at the Asian Savate Championship 2024 (Indonesia) and 13 medals in the Asian Savate Championship 2025.

In all, he has led India to 52 medals in major international tournaments. Owing to this impressive track record, the National Savate Federation has once again entrusted him with leading the national team on the global stage.

The announcement has been met with widespread joy and celebration among Indian athletes, coaches and sports enthusiasts. Numerous congratulatory messages and best wishes have poured in for Srivastava from across the country.

Among those extending their congratulations are Sukhwinder Singh Wingerawat, Founder, National Savate Federation; Hansraj Namsaut, President, National Savate Federation; Paramjeet Kaur, Secretary, National Savate Federation; Shivchandra Ram, Chief Patron of Bihar State Savate Association & Former Sports Minister; Ranjit Prasad Srivastava, President, Bihar State Savate Association; Suraj Pandit, Joint Secretary; Shilpi Sonam, Treasurer; and Santoshi Devi, Secretary, Himachal Pradesh Savate Association.

In a statement, Shilpi Sonam said the entire Indian Savate community was optimistic and united in its hope that, after a long gap, India’s participation in the World Youth Savate Championship would culminate in a glorious victory and that the Indian Tricolour would fly high in Uzbekistan.