Historic Silver for India at Asian Equestrian Championship
The Indian dressage team has made the nation proud by securing a spectacular silver medal at the Asian Equestrian Championship 2025, held in Pattaya, Thailand. The trio of Indian riders displayed immense skill and coordination, finishing just a whisker away from the gold medal in a thrilling contest.
Team India's Stellar Performance
The Indian contingent, comprising three accomplished riders — Gaurav Pundir from Uttar Pradesh, Divyakriti Singh from Rajasthan, and Shruti Vora from Maharashtra — showcased remarkable precision and composure throughout the competition. From the outset, the team demonstrated exceptional skill, holding the top position on the leaderboard for a significant period and engaging in a neck-and-neck race for gold with the host nation, Thailand.
Ultimately, the team secured a commendable silver medal, missing the top honour by an incredibly narrow margin of just 0.2%. Thailand secured the gold medal, while Hong Kong took home the bronze.
Divyakriti Singh Creates Sporting History
Among the standout performers was Rajasthan's own Divyakriti Singh. Her contribution was pivotal to the team's success and has further cemented her legacy in Indian sporting history. With this silver medal, the 26-year-old has become the only Indian equestrian athlete ever to win medals at both the Asian Games and the Asian Championships.
An Arjuna Awardee and Asian Games gold medallist, Divyakriti has been a consistent force in elevating Indian equestrian sports on the international stage. Her training in Europe under world-class coaches was evident in her polished technique and competitive readiness in Pattaya.
Reflecting on the team's performance, Divyakriti expressed mixed emotions. "I am very happy with my horse Improvers' performance in the Asian Championship here in Pattaya, Thailand. He gave his best and together we gave our career best score for India to bag the silver medal. It's a pity that we missed the gold by a slender margin," she said.
A Symbol of Progress and Equality
This accomplishment holds profound significance. Equestrian sport is one of the few truly gender-neutral disciplines in the world, where men and women compete together under identical conditions. Divyakriti Singh's achievements, therefore, transcend personal glory; they symbolize progress, representation, and excellence in a sport where equality is built into its very foundation.
This result underscores India's rising stature in international equestrian sports and highlights the immense talent, dedication, and discipline of its athletes. The team's performance has set a strong precedent for future competitions.
Looking ahead, the next major targets for these elite athletes include the 20th Asian Games in Japan next year and the ultimate goal, the 2028 Olympic Games in the USA.
