India has achieved a historic victory in equestrian sports at the Asian Games in Hangzhou by clinching the team dressage gold. This triumph not only marks India’s first-ever team gold in the dressage event but also ends a 41-year-old drought at the continental competition. The winning team comprised Divyakriti Singh riding Adrenalin Firfod, Hriday Vipul Chhed on Chemxpro Emerald, and Anush Agarwala aboard Etro. They secured an impressive 209.205 percentage points to claim the top spot. While Sudipti Hajela was also part of the team, only the top three scores were considered for the final result.
Meet the Equestrian Riders Who Secured India’s Gold Medal
Sudipti Hajela
- Age: 21
- Hails from: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Training Base: Pamfou, France
- Coach: Camillee Judet Cheret
- Foreign Support Staff: Menard Mandy (groom)
Sudipti Hajela embarked on her equestrian journey at the tender age of six as a summer hobby, which soon evolved into a full-fledged career. Her coach, Camillee Judet Cheret, boasts a rich background as a member of the French Olympics team and the French national team.
Divyakriti Singh
- Age: 23
- Hails from: Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Training Base: Hagen A.T.W., Germany
- Coach: Insa Hansen
- Foreign Support Staff: David R Caunter (Groom)
Divyakriti Singh extensively trained across Europe during her schooling and university years, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Austria. In preparation for the Asian Games and other international competitions, she relocated to Europe in 2020 and continued her training in the equestrian hub of Wellington, Florida.
Hriday Chheda
- Age: 25
- Hometown: Mumbai
- Training Base: France
- Coach: Corentin Pottier
- Foreign Support Staff: Katherina Asbeck
Hriday Chheda’s journey with horses commenced at the age of six, and he has dedicated a significant portion of his life to equestrian pursuits. He has honed his skills in Europe under the guidance of renowned trainers, including Hannes Baumgart, Johan Zagers Emma Kanerva, and British Olympian Emile Faurie. Hriday actively contributes to the development of the sport in India, particularly in Mumbai, Pune, and Pondicherry.
Anush Agarwala
- Age: 23
- Hails from: Kolkata
- Training Base: Borchen, Germany
- Coach: Hubertus Schmidt
- Foreign Support Staff: Alison Helen McIvor (groom)
Anush Agarwala’s equestrian journey commenced at the age of three at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. He began competing in local youth events at the age of 11 and later moved to Delhi to pursue his equestrian ambitions. Anush subsequently trained under the mentorship of Hubertus Schmidt in Germany.
The historic team gold in the dressage event at the Asian Games represents a momentous accomplishment for Indian equestrian sports. The dedication of these riders, combined with their rigorous training and the unwavering support of their coaches and support staff, has culminated in this remarkable achievement.
In Nutshell:
- India secured the team dressage gold in equestrian sports at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, ending a 41-year-old jinx at the continental event.
- The triumphant team comprised Divyakriti Singh, Hriday Vipul Chhed, and Anush Agarwala, with Sudipti Hajela also part of the team.
- This historic win marks the first time in the sport’s history that India has clinched the team gold in the dressage event.
- Riders Sudipti Hajela, Divyakriti Singh, Hriday Chheda, and Anush Agarwala played pivotal roles in India’s victorious campaign.
