Hriday Chheda Prepares for 2026 Asian Games with High Hopes
Chheda's Aspirations for the Upcoming Asian Games
Tokyo, Japan - On September 18, Hriday Chheda, a member of India's gold-medal-winning dressage team from the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, spoke about the increased expectations for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. He emphasized the importance of remaining calm and focused on delivering a strong performance.
The 20th Asian Games are set to commence in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, featuring a robust Indian team 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.
Chheda acknowledged that this time, the team is entirely new and he will be riding a different horse, presenting a unique challenge. However, he remains optimistic about achieving another podium finish for India.
"Last time, we entered the competition without any expectations. As young riders, it was our first major championship. Winning gold has naturally raised expectations for us to perform well again. Our focus is on giving our best and ensuring we stay calm and concentrated on our tasks. If we all perform well, I believe we can secure another podium finish," Chheda stated.
"This team is completely different from last time. I am the only returning rider, and I will be riding 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 victory for India," he added.
At the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chheda was part of a four-member team that included Anush Agarwalla, Divyakriti Singh, and Sudipti Hajela, all of whom contributed to India's gold medal in dressage. For the 2026 Asian Games, he will compete alongside Shruti Vora, Gaurav Pundir, and Jai Sud.
Chheda expressed his enthusiasm about representing India for the second time at the Asian Games, noting that the horses are still acclimating to their new environment after arriving in Japan. He emphasized the need to adapt, stay prepared, and deliver a strong performance.
"I am thrilled to be representing 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 are looking forward to the competition and hope to perform strongly," he remarked.
The path to the Asian Games podium was not easy. India left the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games without a medal, but the subsequent four years saw significant improvements in the preparation and development of Indian riders, setting the stage for their success in Hangzhou.
Chheda noted the remarkable growth of equestrian sports in India since their last Asian Games victory, with more young riders now pursuing dressage at elite levels.
He pointed out that the medal has made international success seem more achievable and has increased recognition and visibility 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 young people are taking up equestrian sports and striving for higher achievements. They now realize that winning a medal in dressage is possible, which was once considered a distant dream," he explained.
"In the past three years, I have witnessed a surge in riders and participants aiming for higher-level competitions. This shift significantly impacts the sport and brings much-needed attention to equestrianism in India. Historically, this sport has had less visibility, so our success is crucial for its advancement," he concluded.
India finished fourth in the medal standings at the Hangzhou Games, securing 107 medals, including 28 gold, 38 silver, and 41 bronze, and aims to carry that momentum into Japan.