 In an interview for the Asian Savate Confederation (ASC) website, Mr HamidReza Hesaraki, President of the Confederation, explained that, in Asia, Savate competes with a lot of martial arts and many other eastern schools of traditional fighting which have their followers all over the continent. |
It also has the difficult task of becoming recognized by Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and sport governing bodies of in each Asian country.
Savate as a Future Olympic Sport
Mr Hesaraki is happy that Savate is now recognized by SportAccord as he feels it is a big step toward the Olympic Games, as was Savate’s status as a demonstration sport at the 1924 Paris Olympics. Mr Hesaraki said that “as part of the global family of Savate, we should do our best to make history again”.
Mr Hesaraki believes that Savate’s popularity needs to grow and acquire more members from all five continents. He explains that the ASC has contacted the Asian National Olympic Committees and sports ministries of various countries to introduce Savate and attract new members. In Mr Hesaraki’s opinion, important steps towards Olympic recognition include a full participation of Asian members in world championships and, after that, Asian competitions recognized by the AOC. Mr Hesaraki explained that the ASC is ready to organize various technical seminars for coaches and referees in member countries or in countries that are interested in Savate. Indeed, he thinks that this is a good way to introduce Savate to NOCs, which could lead to recognition at a later stage. He illustrated this using Iran’s example: “At this time, Iran’s NOC and sports ministry have recognized the Iranian Savate Association”.
The 2013 Combat Games
Mr Hesaraki feels that the Combat Games, which are being organized in October 2013 in Russia, will be an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Savate. “I am sure that after the games we will see an increase in membership in Asia” he added.
Mr Hesaraki emphasized the importance for ASC member countries to take part in the 2013 World Championships, in France, as this is one of the qualifying events for the Combat Games.
ASC / FISav relationship
Mr Hesaraki explained that there is a mutually assured support between the Asian Savate Confederation and the International Savate Federation. He feels that it is important to have the same outlines and policies for Savate in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America and added that, at present, the ASC also oversees Oceania.
Regarding FISav, Mr Hesaraki said: “I believe that Dr Gabriel, as president of the International Savate Federation has the full support of FISav’s Board of Directors as well as the French Federation. This is very important for our unity and will pave the way for future achievements. ASC believes in interaction with other confederations and in having joining programs as a global family.”
“It is my pleasure to have the trust and support of the Asian members and the FISav. I would like to thank every Savate member in Asia and hope to meet the Asian Savate Family in France, as soon as possible. It is my duty to devise new programs for Asian Savate. I would specially like to thank Dr Gabriel as president, Mr Gilles Le Duigou, Mr Joël Dhumez and Mr Ali Aji, my close friends and vice presidents of FISav as well as Mr Gerhard Schmitt, FISav General Secretary and the other FISav Board Members.”
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