How is the Indian Government Supporting Equestrian Champions?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Indian equestrian team achieved historic success at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships.
- The government is committed to enhancing sports infrastructure in India.
- A quarantine center is set to be established to support equestrian athletes.
- India's equestrian sports ecosystem is evolving positively.
- Increased government support is essential for future athletes.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya honored the medal-winning eventing and dressage teams on Friday for their exceptional achievements at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championships.
The six-member team returned from Pattaya with a remarkable total of five medals, marking a historic milestone at the continental championship.
“Champions of Bharat! I had the privilege of meeting and honoring the medalists of the Asian Equestrian Championship 2025 held in Thailand. Under the visionary leadership of PM @narendramodi, Bharat is attaining new heights in the global equestrian arena,”
Mandaviya shared on X.
Ashish Limaye earned two medals: a groundbreaking individual gold in Eventing and a silver in the team event, while Shruti Vora secured three silvers—two in individual and one in team Dressage.
Other team members included Shashank Singh Kataria and Shashank Kanmuri in Eventing, along with Divyakriti Singh and Gaurav Pundir in Dressage.
During the ceremony, the minister emphasized India’s recent advancements in equestrian sports. “India is excelling in sporting disciplines where we previously had minimal global representation. I commend each of you for your dedication to this sport, which has had a limited presence in India historically. However, this is not the India of a decade ago.”
“You have witnessed the evolution of the sports ecosystem over the past ten years. I assure you that the government will eliminate any obstacles preventing athletes from achieving their dreams. We are committed to developing a equestrian-friendly sports ecosystem in India, allowing athletes to train domestically.”
The sports minister reiterated the government's promise to establish a quarantine centre in India within a year, a long-awaited necessity for facilitating the movement of horses for international competitions.
Shruti Vora, who earned three silvers, commended the minister’s prompt response to the athletes' concerns. “When we raised our issues, he immediately mobilized efforts towards creating an equine disease-free zone. We require a comprehensive ecosystem, enabling not only a few athletes but the entire equestrian community to thrive in India.”
“Once these frameworks are in place, everything becomes streamlined,” the 54-year-old noted.