Indian Equestrian Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games with High Hopes
Expectations Rise for the Indian Dressage Team
Hriday Chheda, a member of India's gold-medal-winning dressage team from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, has acknowledged the increased expectations surrounding the squad as they gear up for the 2026 edition. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and performing well on the day of competition.
Upcoming Asian Games in Japan
The 20th Asian Games are set to commence in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, featuring a robust Indian contingent that includes Olympic medalists and reigning champions across various sports. The event will run from September 19 to October 4, with athletes from 45 countries competing in 43 sports and 469 medal events.
A New Team Faces Fresh Challenges
Chheda noted that the team is entirely new, and he will be riding a different horse this time. He remains optimistic about achieving another strong performance and hopes for a podium finish for India. "Last time, we entered without expectations as young riders at our first championship. After winning gold, there’s now a natural expectation to podium again. Our focus is to stay calm and perform well on the day. If we all deliver our best, another podium finish is certainly within reach," Chheda stated.
"This time, it’s a completely different team. I’m the only returning rider from the last Asian Games, and I’m also on a new horse, making this a fresh experience for me. The competition will be tough, but we are eager to perform well and bring home another commendable result for our country," he added.
Chheda's Excitement for the Asian Games
Chheda expressed his enthusiasm about representing India for the second time at the Asian Games, mentioning that the horses are still acclimatizing to their new environment since their arrival in Japan. He emphasized the importance of adapting well and being prepared for a strong performance. "I’m thrilled to represent my country again at the Asian Games. We arrived in Japan a few days ago, and the horses are still getting used to the new surroundings. It’s exciting to be in Tokyo, the site of the Olympics, and we look forward to the competition while aiming for a strong showing," he remarked.
Growth of Equestrian Sport in India
The path to the Asian Games podium was not an easy one. India returned from the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games without any medals, but the subsequent four years saw significant improvements in the preparation and development of Indian riders, paving the way for their success in Hangzhou.
Chheda highlighted the remarkable growth of equestrian sports in India since their gold medal win, noting that more young riders are now pursuing dressage at elite levels. He believes that the medal has made international success seem more achievable and has increased recognition for the sport, which is vital for its growth in India.
"The sport has seen tremendous growth since our last medal at the Asian Games. More youngsters are taking it up and competing at higher levels. They now realize that winning a medal in dressage is possible, which previously seemed like a distant dream for many," he explained.
"In the last three years, I’ve observed a surge in riders aiming for higher-level championships. This growth significantly impacts the sport and brings much-needed attention to equestrianism in India. Traditionally, this sport has had less visibility, so our success is crucial for attracting more interest and support," he concluded.
India's Performance at the Last Asian Games
India finished fourth in the medal standings at the Hangzhou Asian Games, securing a total of 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze. The team aims to carry this momentum into the upcoming Games in Japan.