A contingent of 665 members from India is participating in the 19th edition of the Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China. India has won several medals in various sports and has many athletes who have created history in the quadrennial sports tournaments. One of the record holders is equestrian player, Anush Agarwalla, who not only displayed exceptional skills but also brought pride to the nation.
The Indian dressage team won the gold medal in the equestrian event at the Games, ending a drought of 41 years. The dressage team consisted of Anush Agarwalla (Etro), Hriday Vipul Chheda (ChemXPro Emerald), Divyakriti Singh (Adrenalin Firfod) and Sudipti Hajela (Chinski).
Not only that, Anush Agwarwalla made history by winning a medal (Bronze) in the individual dressage category, which India has not been able to do so far. Here’s everything you need to know about the young equestrian star.
Related | What is dressage riding? Understanding the sport and its rules.
Early life
Anush Agarwalla, born on November 23, 1999 in Kolkata, India, has become an exceptional figure in the world of equestrian sports. His recent triumph at the Asian Games has drawn attention to this young and talented rider, making him a rising star on the international equestrian scene.
A journey of dedication
Anush Agarwalla’s journey from an ordinary weekend rider to an international equestrian star is nothing short of inspiring. His parents introduced him to horse riding at the age of 3 at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. They had no idea that this meeting would ignite a passion that would take their son to the world stage.
At the age of 8, he began formally teaching riding and quickly progressed to local children’s events. His dreams extended beyond local competitions; he aspired to represent India in prestigious sporting events such as the Asian Games and the Olympics. To pursue his dream, he moved to New Delhi at the age of 11, while pursuing his education at La Martiniere for Boys. His hard work paid off with silver and gold medals at the prestigious Delhi Horse Show in 2014.
At the age of 16, he was admitted to Sri Ram School in Aravalli for higher secondary education. His determination knew no bounds and led him to Germany, where he trained under the mentorship of Olympic gold medalist Mr. Hubertus Schmidt. Overcoming language and cultural barriers, Anush became India’s youngest Grand Prix rider and secured his place at the World Equestrian Championships.
Overcoming challenges
Anush Agarwalla’s journey has not been without its challenges, including disruptions brought on by the pandemic. However, his dedication to the craft never faltered. He achieved a significant milestone by winning the S-level, an unprecedented achievement for any Indian horseman.
Although she narrowly missed the chance to represent India at the Tokyo Olympics, Anush became the first Indian rider to qualify for the 2022 World Games in Herning, Copenhagen. This year marks another milestone as Anush leads India’s four-rider equestrian team at the Asian Games.
Success at the 2023 Asian Games
India’s Anush Agarwalla etched his name in history with a breakthrough success at the Asian Games. The young equestrian sensation won a bronze medal in the individual dressage event, marking a significant personal milestone and a historic moment for India. This accolade represents India’s first individual medal in equestrian sports at such a prestigious international event. Anusha’s impressive journey didn’t stop there; secured another bronze medal in the dressage individual intermediate and freestyle events, reaffirming his unwavering excellence in this demanding discipline. His dedication and tireless efforts catapulted him to fame in the Indian equestrian community. At just 24 years old, Anush has cemented his place in the annals of equestrian sports history. He triumphed over formidable opponents from China and Hong Kong in an exciting competition alongside his talented teammates. The victory received praise from none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who heartily congratulated the team on their remarkable achievement.
A vision for the future
As Anush Agarwalla stands on the threshold of the Asian Games and the coveted goal of the 2024 Olympics, he envisions each step as a step closer to redefining the history of Indian equestrian sports. His journey from a leisure rider to a global competitor exemplifies the power of dedication, perseverance and determination to make India proud on international platforms.
He looks forward to the ongoing Hangzhou Asian Games and the 2024 Olympics with unwavering determination, saying, “Passion consistently pushes boundaries. My journey in equestrian sports has equipped me with unwavering determination, unwavering family support and opportunities to constantly test my limits.”
As he continues to scale new heights in the world of equestrian sports, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring riders across India and the world. Anush Agarwalla is more than a rising star; he symbolizes the limitless potential within the Indian equestrian landscape.
Here’s an exclusive interview with Anush, where he shares his journey and struggles:
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Source: HIS Education