In a stunning turn of events at the 2023 Asian Games, India clinched its first gold medal in equestrian in over four decades, with Sudipti Hajela, Divyakriti Singh, Vipul Hriday Chheda, and Anush Agarwalla emerging as the heroes of the day. Their remarkable performance in the dressage event left everyone spellbound and etched their names in the annals of Indian sporting history.
This historic triumph marked the end of a 41-year-long medal drought for India in equestrian at the Asian Games. The quartet’s journey to gold was nothing short of extraordinary, as they outshone competitors from across the continent, amassing an impressive 209.205 percentage points. This stellar performance not only secured their gold but also propelled them past China and Hong Kong, who had to settle for silver and bronze, respectively.
In the world of equestrian sports, the dressage event hinges on the precise accumulation of percentage points by both the rider and their equine companion. Every movement is meticulously assessed, with scores ranging from zero to a perfect 10. These individual scores are then tallied, yielding an overall percentage, and the rider with the highest percentage emerges victorious. In a team competition like this, it’s the cumulative performance of the top three scorers that determines the winner.
Now, let’s delve into the remarkable stories behind the Indian equestrian team that defied all odds to clinch this coveted gold:
Divyakriti Singh: Born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Divyakriti embarked on her equestrian odyssey during the 7th grade, when her school mandated that students choose a sport. Her passion quickly blossomed, and she excelled in Dressage, Show Jumping, and Polo. Notably, she pursued her academic journey alongside her equestrian pursuits, earning a degree in Psychology and Philosophy from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi.
Sudipti Hajela: A native of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Sudipti’s equestrian journey commenced as a mere summer hobby at the age of six. Under the guidance of her coach, Camillee Judet Cheret, an Olympic competitor for France, Sudipti has honed her skills and currently trains in Pamfou, France.
Vipul Hriday Chheda: Cheddha’s equestrian journey began at the age of six. He boasts a stellar training pedigree, having worked with renowned mentors such as Hannes Baumgart, Johan Zagers, and Emma Kanerva. In 2017, he spent a year with British Olympian Emile Faurie, further refining his skills. Beyond his personal accomplishments, Vipul has been instrumental in advancing equestrian sports in India. In 2021, he initiated a ground-breaking project with Nanoli Stud Farm, aimed at establishing a world-class riding facility and launching India’s first-ever breeding program for dressage horses, set to debut in 2024.
Anush Agarwalla: Born in Kolkata on November 23, 1999, Anush’s passion for horse riding began at an early age. Introduced to horseback riding at The Tollygunge Club when he was just three years old, what began as a weekend ritual soon transformed into an unwavering passion. Anush’s dedication to the sport shone through as he began competing in local events for children at the age of eight. He fondly recalls telling his friends that he would one day compete on the grand stages of the Asian Games and Olympics—a prophecy he has now fulfilled. Anush Agarwalla also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first Indian to qualify for the World Championships in dressage, achieving a commendable 67.5% on Sir Caramello Old at CDI Hagen.
In the wake of their historic victory at the 2023 Asian Games, these talented equestrians have not only secured their place in Indian sports history but have also inspired countless budding riders across the nation.
Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the immense potential of Indian equestrian sports on the global stage.