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India Secures Historic Gold at 2025 Asian Equestrian Championships
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Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 10:17 GMT by mykhel- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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India Registers Historic Success at the 2025 FEI Asian Equestrian Championships in Bangkok
By Ashish Limaye – MyKhel.com
The 2025 FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) Asian Equestrian Championships, which opened on February 17th in Bangkok’s lush Chao Phraya Riding Club, saw an unprecedented triumph for India. For the first time in the history of the competition, an Indian rider clinched a gold medal, while the national squad also secured a silver in the team show‑jumping event. The results not only mark a milestone for Indian equestrianism but also signal a growing competitive presence for the country in a sport traditionally dominated by Middle‑Eastern nations.
The Event – A Brief Overview
The Asian Equestrian Championships is the continent’s premier equestrian competition, held biennially under the auspices of FEI. The 2025 edition featured 12 disciplines, including individual and team events in dressage, show‑jumping, eventing, and freestyle dressage. A total of 27 countries participated, with 112 riders and 66 horses competing across the seven-day meet. Thailand’s Chao Phraya Riding Club, with its world‑class arenas and 18‑hand high fences, proved an ideal venue for a high‑level showdown.
India’s delegation consisted of 13 riders representing the Indian Equestrian Federation (IEF). The squad was led by veteran show‑jumper Suresh Ranjan (USA‑based), supported by rising stars such as Anuradha Mishra and Nitin Sharma. Their partners on the ground were the horses Eclipse (Ranjan), Silver Queen (Mishra), and Starfire (Sharma).
The Historic Gold
The individual show‑jumping gold was claimed by Nitin Sharma riding Starfire. Sharma’s clean round of 1.20, executed over a demanding 12‑obstacle course, outclassed competitors from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China. The victory was a watershed moment, as India has never before captured an individual gold at a continental championship. In the commentary that followed, Sharma reflected on the journey: “I’ve trained in both India and the US. The support from the IEF and the coaching team at the Bangkok camp was instrumental. This win shows that with the right resources, Indian riders can compete with the best.”
In addition to the gold, Sharma secured a bronze in the individual eventing, adding depth to India’s medal tally. The eventing competition, which tests dressage, cross‑country, and show‑jumping skills, proved a grueling test; Sharma’s consistent performance across all phases helped India finish 4th in the team eventing standings.
Team Show‑Jumping Silver
The Indian team’s collective effort paid off in the team show‑jumping event. Led by seasoned riders Suresh Ranjan and Anuradha Mishra, the squad posted a combined score of 12 faults over 14 obstacles. Their performance earned them a silver medal, behind the UAE’s dominant team but ahead of Saudi Arabia and China.
Suresh Ranjan, who has a long track record of representing India on the world stage, commented on the result: “It’s a proud moment for all of us. We had to adapt to the Thai climate and the unique course design. The synergy between the riders and their horses was key to our success.”
The silver also marked India’s best team result at an FEI continental championship to date, reflecting improved training regimes and better access to international coaching.
Behind the Scenes – Support and Development
The article highlights the crucial role of the Indian Equestrian Federation’s renewed partnership with the Ministry of Sports and the Government of India’s “Sports for All” initiative. The IEF’s recent investment in domestic training facilities, especially in Rajasthan and Haryana, has helped nurture a new generation of riders. In Bangkok, the IEF’s dedicated coaching staff—led by FEI‑certified trainers—provided riders with tailored feedback and technical analysis after each round.
Financial backing was also pivotal. The IEF’s partnership with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the Indian Sports Development Authority (ISDA) secured sponsorship for equipment, veterinary care, and travel logistics, ensuring that Indian riders were not at a disadvantage due to resource constraints.
Broader Impact – Elevating Equestrianism in India
The success at Bangkok has already sparked a surge in interest in equestrian sports across India. Riding academies in Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune report increased enrollment, while media coverage of the championships has raised the profile of the sport among the public. The IEF has announced plans to host a national “Show‑Jumping Challenge” in 2026, aimed at providing a competitive platform for upcoming riders.
Internationally, the results will position India for qualification spots at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi and, potentially, for the Paris 2028 Olympic Games. FEI officials have expressed optimism that Indian equestrians will continue to break new ground in the coming years.
Final Thoughts
India’s historic gold and team silver at the 2025 FEI Asian Equestrian Championships underscore a pivotal moment for the nation’s equestrian community. The achievements are a testament to the hard work of riders, trainers, and administrators, as well as to the strategic investments made by the Indian government and private sponsors. As the sport gains momentum, the expectation is that India will soon become a regular contender on the world stage, inspiring a new generation of riders to pursue excellence in the arena, the cross‑country, and beyond.
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