The World Youth Championships and World Youth Cup in assaut were held in Ruma in Serbia ©FISav

The International Savate Federation (FISav) has been able to hold its first in-person event since March 2020, with the World Youth Championships and the World Cup for cadets in savate assaut taking place in the Serbian town of Ruma.

Both events ran on July 2 and 3.

The assaut discipline of the sport is designed to be safer and more fun, with the aim being "to touch without being touched".

The World Youth Cup event was held for 13- and 14-year-old competitors, and the World Youth Championships for athletes aged 15 to 17.

They were organised by the Savate Association of Serbia and Savate Boxing Club in Ruma, supported by Serbia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Municipality of Ruma.

Local and national authorities assisted with medical services, doping control and testing for COVID-19.

Julie Gabriel, the FISev President, and the Serbian Deputy Minister of Sports, Darko Udovicic, attended the Opening Ceremony to begin both tournaments.

Athletes from 14 countries were able to take part.

Madagascar had also hoped to send representatives, but was prevented from doing so by visa issues.

The events took place over three rings, and were streamed live.

Hosts Serbia were the most successful nation at the tournaments ©FISav
Hosts Serbia were the most successful nation at the tournaments ©FISav

There were medals on offer in 10 weight divisions in the male World Youth Championships, ranging from under-48 kilograms to over-85kg, and seven in the female competition ranging from under-48kg to over-70kg.

The World Youth Cup featured seven male weight divisions and four in the female competitions.

The host nation Serbia proved the most successful across the two events, clinching 15 gold, 12 silver and 10 bronze medals.

Belgium, Hungary, Uzbekistan, Iran, Croatia and Ukraine also won golds.

Serbia’s fighters also won two of the most successful athletes awards on offer 0 Jelena Radojčin for her performances in the 56-60kg category at the World Cup, and Anastasija Ikonić in the same division at the World Championships.

Hungarian winner of the 56-60kg event at the World Championships Zalán Forgó won the male award, along with Belgian Clement Donna of the 60-65kg division at the World Cup.

FISav’s calendar was decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of last year’s World Savate Assaut Championships in Austria.

However, some events are set to return this year, including the World Combat Seniors Qualifying Tournament from 29 July to 1 August in Weiz in Austria and the World Combat Seniors Championship Finals in October and November, with a venue still to be determined.

The European Assaut Championships are due to take place in Belgium from 25 to 28 November 21, and the African Assaut Championships in Guinea-Bissau from 10 to 12 December.