India recently witnessed a remarkable sporting event at the Surge Stable in Bangalore with the inaugural FEI Concours Saut International 2* (CSI 2*) Two-Phase competition. The competition brought together some of the country’s top equestrian talents in a thrilling contest of skill, precision, and speed. Barath Manoharan emerged victorious on the third day of the event, claiming a well-deserved win by riding Qina through a challenging 135 cm course in just 36.03 seconds.
A Thrilling Show of Equestrian Excellence
The event featured the best riders and horses in a competition designed to test both speed and accuracy. The two-phase format required riders to successfully complete the first phase before advancing to the second phase, where the objective was to complete the course as quickly as possible while avoiding faults. Barath Manoharan’s performance on Day 3 exemplified his mastery of both speed and precision as he secured the top spot with a flawless ride.
In the thrilling battle for first place, Kirat Nagra delivered an impressive performance as well. Riding Little Joe, Kirat clocked a time of 37.29 seconds, coming within striking distance of Barath’s time. Despite this, Kirat’s efforts landed him in second place, adding another podium finish to his name, having already secured a spot in the top three on Day 1 of the competition.
Rounding out the top three was M Krishna Sahithi, riding Asca IX Z, who completed the course in 39.74 seconds. Sahithi’s performance was commendable, as she maintained a consistent pace throughout the competition and earned a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Prize Money and Recognition
Barath Manoharan’s victory not only earned him a place in the annals of Indian equestrian sports but also came with a substantial prize. He took home a cash prize of Rs 3,50,000 for his outstanding performance. Kirat Nagra, finishing second, received Rs 2,70,000, while M Krishna Sahithi earned Rs 2,02,500 for her third-place finish.
The competition showcased the rising talent in India’s equestrian scene, highlighting the growing popularity and development of the sport in the country. Barath’s win marks an important milestone, not just for himself but for the broader equestrian community in India.
The Grand Prix Competition: A Missed Opportunity
While the day’s highlight was undoubtedly Barath’s win, the anticipation surrounding the Grand Prix competition was palpable. Scheduled to take place later that same day, the Grand Prix event would have provided riders with another chance to showcase their skills. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the Grand Prix competition had to be canceled. The cancellation was a disappointment for both the riders and spectators, as the event promised to add another thrilling dimension to the day’s activities.
The FEI CSI Junior Event: Jaiveer Verma Rises to the Top
Another significant highlight of the FEI CSI 2* event was the FEI CSI Junior competition, which saw Jaiveer Verma claiming victory after a thrilling jump-off. Riding Gianninaa, Jaiveer demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, executing a flawless jump-off round to take first place. His performance was particularly noteworthy given that he had placed second on Day 2, narrowly missing the top spot.
Jai Singh Sabharwal, who had dominated the first two days of the Junior competition, faced a reversal of fortune on Day 3. Riding Elliot De Vesquerie, Jai incurred penalties during the jump-off round, which ultimately pushed him down to second place. Despite his earlier dominance, the penalties proved costly, and Jaiveer seized the opportunity to take the lead.
Third place in the Junior event went to Neil Kendall, riding Connecticut 16. Neil’s steady performance throughout the competition allowed him to surpass Day 2’s bronze medalist, Avik Bhatia, who had been riding BB’s Nirvair. The consistency and determination shown by these young riders reflected their growing skill and potential in the sport.
The prize money for the top three riders in the Junior category was as follows: Jaiveer Verma received Rs 87,750, Jai Singh Sabharwal earned Rs 70,200, and Neil Kendall took home Rs 52,260.
Children’s Category: Aradhana Anand’s Dominance
The competition also featured a fiercely contested Children’s category, where young talents showcased their skills on a national stage. Aradhana Anand emerged as the standout performer, securing first place for the second consecutive day while riding Democratic. Aradhana’s consistency and composure throughout the event proved to be key factors in her back-to-back victories.
Harshvardhan Singh Gulia, riding Lady Kanan, finished second on Day 3, putting in a strong performance that highlighted his potential as a rising star in the sport. Meanwhile, Aagastya Sharma, riding Porto Bello, claimed third place on both Day 2 and Day 3, demonstrating consistent performances across the event.
The Children’s category was filled with exciting competition, with riders like Sresht Raju Mantena also making their mark. Sresht finished second on Day 2, riding Dancing Queen 221, but was unable to maintain the same pace on Day 3. The competition in this category was close, with each rider showcasing their growing talent and competitive spirit.
Aradhana Anand’s victory earned her approximately Rs 68,000, while the other top riders also received cash prizes in recognition of their excellent performances.
India’s Equestrian Scene: A Growing Force
India’s equestrian scene is experiencing significant growth, with events like the FEI CSI 2* competition in Bangalore playing a key role in developing local talent. The country’s equestrian athletes are gaining recognition on both national and international platforms, with more events being organized to promote the sport. Equestrian sports have traditionally been niche in India, but the rise of competitions like these indicates that interest in the sport is growing.
The participation of young riders in the FEI CSI Junior and Children’s categories is particularly encouraging, as it highlights the emergence of a new generation of talent. Riders like Jaiveer Verma, Jai Singh Sabharwal, and Aradhana Anand are positioning themselves as future stars in the sport, with the potential to represent India on the global stage.
The sport’s growing popularity is also attracting sponsors, further fueling its development. With more competitions, better facilities, and greater financial backing, India’s equestrian landscape is set to expand in the coming years.
The Importance of International Competitions
The FEI CSI 2* event is part of the international equestrian competition circuit, bringing global standards to India. The event allows Indian riders to compete at a higher level, improving their skills and gaining exposure to international competition. These events play a crucial role in raising the standards of equestrian sports in India, enabling athletes to measure their progress against international benchmarks.
Participation in international competitions also helps riders build confidence and experience, essential for those looking to compete at global events like the FEI World Cup or the Olympics. The success of riders like Barath Manoharan and Jaiveer Verma in these competitions is a testament to the progress being made in the Indian equestrian community.
The Role of Facilities and Infrastructure
As equestrian sports continue to grow in India, the importance of world-class facilities cannot be overstated. Surge Stable in Bangalore, which hosted the FEI CSI 2* event, is one such facility that is helping to raise the profile of equestrian sports in the country. With its top-notch infrastructure, Surge Stable provides riders with the perfect platform to train and compete at the highest level.
The availability of high-quality training grounds and stables is essential for the development of riders and horses. As more such facilities emerge across the country, Indian equestrian athletes will have greater opportunities to hone their skills and prepare for international competitions.
The investment in equestrian infrastructure also contributes to the overall growth of the sport by attracting more participants and increasing public interest. As the sport becomes more accessible, it is likely to attract a broader audience, further driving its expansion.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Equestrian Sports
The success of the inaugural FEI CSI 2* Two-Phase competition in Bangalore is just the beginning for India’s equestrian sports. With riders like Barath Manoharan, Jaiveer Verma, and Aradhana Anand emerging as top talents, the future looks bright for the sport in the country. As more competitions are held and greater investments are made in facilities and infrastructure, Indian equestrian athletes are set to make their mark on the global stage.
The development of young talent, in particular, bodes well for the future. The performances of riders in the Junior and Children’s categories show that India is nurturing the next generation of equestrian stars. With continued support from sponsors, organizers, and the equestrian community, these young riders could soon be competing in top international events.
Conclusion
The inaugural FEI CSI 2* Two-Phase competition in Bangalore was a resounding success, showcasing the skill, determination, and talent of India’s top equestrian athletes. Barath Manoharan’s victory, along with the impressive performances by riders in the Junior and Children’s categories, highlights the rapid growth of equestrian sports in the country. With a focus on international standards, improved infrastructure, and the emergence of young talent, India is poised to become a significant force in the world of equestrian sports.
As more competitions take place and the sport gains recognition, India’s equestrian community is on the cusp of a new era. Riders like Barath Manoharan and Jaiveer Verma are leading the charge, setting the stage for a bright future in the sport.
