Discover the equestrian riders who brought India their first Asian Games gold in 41 years.

India Claims Team Dressage Gold at Asian Games, Ending 41-Year-Old Jinx

New Delhi: India made history at the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Tuesday by winning the team dressage gold in equestrian sport. This victory marks the first time in the history of the sport that India has secured a team gold in the dressage event, breaking a 41-year-old jinx at the continental event. The team, consisting of Divyakriti Singh astride Adrenalin Firfod, Hriday Vipul Chhed on Chemxpro Emerald, and Anush Agarwala on Etro, scored an impressive 209.205 percentage points to secure the top podium finish. Sudipti Hajela was also part of the team, although only the top three scores were counted in the event.

Riders Who Helped India Secure the Gold Medal

• Sudipti Hajela
• Age: 21
• From: Indore, Madhya Pradesh
• Training Base: Pamfou, France
• Coach: Camillee Judet Cheret
• Foreign Support Staff: Menard Mandy (groom)

Sudipti Hajela began her equestrian journey at the age of six as a summer hobby, which soon turned into a career. Her coach, Camillee Judet Cheret, was part of the French Olympics team and the French national team.

• Divyakriti Singh
• Age: 23
• From: Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Training Base: Hagen A.T.W., Germany
• Coach: Insa Hansen
• Foreign Support Staff: David R Caunter (Groom)

Divyakriti Singh frequently trained in Europe, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Austria, during school and university. She also trained in Wellington, Florida, which is considered the equestrian capital of the world. In 2020, she moved to Europe to train in preparation for the Asian Games and other international competitions.

• Hriday Chheda
• Age: 25
• Hometown: Mumbai
• Training Base: France
• Coach: Corentin Pottier
• Foreign Support Staff: Katherina Asbeck

Hriday Chheda started riding horses at the age of six and has spent the majority of his life on horseback. He has trained and worked in Europe with renowned trainers such as Hannes Baumgart, Johan Zagers Emma Kanerva, and British Olympian Emile Faurie. He is actively involved in developing the sport within India and has helped young riders in Mumbai, Pune, and Pondicherry.

• Anush Agarwala
• Age: 23
• Hometown: Kolkata
• Training Base: Borchen, Germany
• Coach: Hubertus Schmidt
• Foreign Support Staff: Alison Helen McIvor (groom)

Anush Agarwala’s equestrian journey began at the age of three at the Tollygunge Club in Kolkata. He started competing in local events for kids at the age of 11 and eventually moved to Delhi to pursue his equestrian dreams. He then went on to train under Hubertus Schmidt in Germany.

This historic team gold in the dressage event at the Asian Games is a significant achievement for Indian equestrian sports. The riders’ dedication, training, and support from their coaches and staff have led to this remarkable success.