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India's equestrian journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics began with a historic milestone as Anush Agarwalla became the first Indian to compete in dressage at the Summer Games. The 24-year-old from Kolkata, who has been honing his skills in Germany since the age of 17, achieved the Minimum Eligibility Requirement (MER) four times to secure a quota for India.In the Dressage Grand Prix Individual Qualifier round held at the iconic Chateau de Versailles, Agarwalla and his horse, Sir Caramello Old, performed a series of intricate movements to music. The judges awarded them a total of 66.444 penalty points, placing them ninth in their group. Only the top two riders from each group advanced to the final.Despite not progressing to the next stage, Agarwalla's performance marked a significant achievement for Indian equestrian. He joined an illustrious list of Indian horsemen who have represented the country in the Olympics, including Fouaad Mirza (Eventing, 2020 Tokyo Games), Imtiaz Anees (Eventing, 2000 Sydney Games), and Indrajit Lamba (Eventing, 1996 Atlanta Games).Dressage, the most advanced form of horse training, requires exceptional coordination and artistry between horse and rider. Judges evaluate the ease and fluidity of their movements, as well as their obedience and responsiveness to commands.Agarwalla's achievement comes on the heels of India's success in the Asian Games in Hangzhou, where the Indian squad won gold in Team Dressage. This victory showcased the growing strength of Indian equestrian and the potential for future success on the international stage.

The recent scandal involving three-time Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin has ignited a heated debate on animal welfare in equestrian sports. The video, which showed Dujardin repeatedly whipping a horse during training, has shocked riders and animal rights activists alike.American rider Boyd Martin, a four-time Olympian, expressed his horror at the video. "Horse welfare is incredibly important," he said. "What we saw was inexcusable."The incident has also highlighted the issue of "Rollkur," a prohibited movement that involves hyper-flexing a horse's neck. Carlos Parro, another rider, was formally warned by the Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) for potentially causing "unnecessary discomfort" to his horse Safira using this technique.PETA's senior vice president, Kathy Guillermo, expressed concern about the horse's well-being and called for the rider's disqualification.Martin emphasized the importance of positive reinforcement in training horses. "To get the best out of an animal, you've got to train in a way that it wants to please you," he said.The British team has faced intense scrutiny since the Dujardin video emerged. Rider Tom McEwen acknowledged the shock it caused but expressed confidence in showcasing the sport's positive aspects.Former American star David O'Connor, who now holds leadership positions in the FEI and U.S. Equestrian Federation, condemned Dujardin's actions as "completely unacceptable." He emphasized the need for public scrutiny to expose unethical behavior.O'Connor confirmed that any U.S. team rider found guilty of similar ill treatment would be removed from the team. He expressed optimism that increased scrutiny would improve horse welfare.The FEI has implemented reforms to address these concerns, including ethical training methods and clearer directives on horse treatment. An equine welfare coordinator is also present at the Olympics for the first time.The incident has also raised awareness of rider welfare. British rider Laura Collett nearly died in a fall in 2013, highlighting the risks associated with the sport.

Cricket may reign supreme in India, but other sports are gaining traction. According to Ormax Media, football, Kabaddi, professional wrestling (WWE), and hockey follow cricket in popularity. However, only hockey is relevant to the upcoming Paris Olympics.Key Terms for the Paris Olympics:* Heats: Preliminary rounds in track, rowing, swimming, and canoeing, where athletes are grouped based on performance.* Dressage: Equestrian event where horse and rider perform predetermined movements within an arena, judged on fluidity and coordination.* Ippon: In judo, a decisive victory achieved by throwing an opponent on their back, pinning them for 20 seconds, or forcing a submission.* RSC: In boxing, when the referee stops a contest due to the losing boxer's inability to protect themselves.* Repechage: In wrestling, track, and rowing, a chance for athletes who lose to medalists to qualify for bronze.* PC (Penalty Corner): In hockey, a penalty awarded when a foul is committed within the penalty circle. The attacking team attempts to score by hitting the ball into the goal.Indian Athletes to Watch:* Anush Agarwalla: Competing in dressage, the only Indian equestrian at Paris 2024.* Tulika Maan: India's sole judo representative, aiming for an ippon victory.Understanding Repechage:Repechage offers a lifeline to athletes who lose to eventual medalists. In wrestling, for example, Sakshi Malik won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics after losing in the quarterfinals. She qualified for the repechage rounds and won two subsequent bouts to secure a medal.Penalty Corners in Hockey:Penalty corners are crucial in hockey, often determining the outcome of matches. India's captain, Harmanpreet Singh, is renowned for his dragflicks, which can be game-changers.

The Delhi Horse Show 2024 witnessed the meteoric rise of a young equestrian prodigy, nine-year-old Aurum Lakshmi Tokas. Hailing from Verdinand Equestrian Academy, Aurum's exceptional talent and unwavering dedication were on full display as she amassed an astonishing 16 medals. Her triumph not only solidifies her status as a future equestrian star but also serves as a testament to the immense potential that lies within India's young riding talents.The Delhi Horse Show is an annual equestrian extravaganza that attracts the nation's finest riders. This year's edition was no different, featuring a plethora of talented athletes. However, amidst the established names, young Aurum stole the show. Her exceptional skills and unwavering determination were evident in every performance.Aurum's success story would be incomplete without mentioning her equine partner, Kenwood. This eight-year-old Dutch Warmblood proved to be the perfect match for Aurum. Their bond transcended mere partnership; it was an affirmation of mutual trust and a shared passion for the sport. Throughout the competition, their synchronised movements and flawless execution in the arena were a sight to behold, a true reflection of the countless hours spent training together.Horse riding is a sport that transcends gender barriers. It's a level playing field where talent, discipline, and determination are the true hallmarks of success. Aurum's journey is a shining example of this. Regardless of her young age and gender, she dominated the competition. While the sport presents its own set of physical challenges, the rewards are equally enriching. The sense of freedom experienced while galloping across the course, the deep connection forged with a magnificent horse, and the exhilaration of competition combine to make horse riding a truly unique and fulfilling pursuit.Aurum's remarkable accomplishment is a direct result of the countless hours she's spent honing her skills in the saddle. Her commitment is a marker of inspiration for aspiring riders of all ages. She embodies the spirit of perseverance, a testament to the fact that with relentless hard work and a never-say-die attitude, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised.Behind every successful rider lies a strong support system, and Aurum is no exception. She expresses her deepest gratitude for the encouragement she receives from her loved ones, their constant support fuelling her passion and propelling her forward. Additionally, she acknowledges the significant role played by Mount Carmel School in nurturing her talent. The supportive environment fostered by the school has been instrumental in providing Aurum with the platform she needs to pursue her equestrian dreams.Kenwood, Aurum's equine partner, belongs to the Dutch Warmblood breed, renowned for their athleticism, versatility, and gentle temperament. These qualities make Dutch Warmbloods highly sought-after companions in the world of equestrian sports. Their inherent grace, agility, and willingness to please make them ideal partners for riders like Aurum, who value exceptional performance and a deep connection with their horses.Aurum's upward graph at the Delhi Horse Show is a true source of inspiration. Her achievements at such a young age are a powerful reminder that any dream can be realised with talent, tenacity and the right support system. The equestrian community eagerly awaits to witness Aurum's future accomplishments as she continues to blaze a trail and shine brightly in the world of horse riding. Her story is not just about winning medals; it's about the dedication, passion, and unique bond between a rider and their horse – a story that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of riders to take to the saddle and chase their own equestrian dreams.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has approved a series of proposals to support Indian athletes in their preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games.Weightlifting:Mirabai Chanu, India's silver medalist in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics, will train at La Ferte-Milon, Paris, ahead of the Games. The MOC has approved her proposal to travel to Paris nearly a month before her event to acclimatize to the weather and prepare for the competition. Her training camp expenses, including airfare, visa costs, accommodation, food, training costs, and medical insurance, will be covered under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) funding.Equestrian:Equestrian player Anush Agarwalla has received approval for his proposal to compete in eight competitions and purchase equipment for his horses. TOPS will cover his and his coach's accommodation costs, entry fees, horse feed costs, coach fees, and horse groom costs.Judo:Judoka Asmita Dey's proposal for financial assistance to participate in the Grand Prix, Austria, has been approved.Shooting:Shooter Arjun Singh Cheema's request for financial assistance towards participation in the ISAS Dortmund Competition has also been approved.Tennis:Newly inducted Indian tennis ace Sumit Nagal's request for financial assistance towards participation in two international competitions along with expenditure for his support staff has been approved. Their airfare, accommodation cost, coaching fees, and physio/fitness coach/mental trainer fees will be covered under TOPS funding.Other Approvals:Other proposals approved by the MOC include financial assistance towards hiring a video analyst for badminton players Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, extension of the contract for weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga's physiotherapist, and financial assistance towards buying equipment for track athlete Amoj Jacob.

Anush Agarwalla, a 25-year-old equestrian from Kolkata, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian to secure an Olympic berth in dressage for the country. This historic achievement marks a significant milestone in Indian equestrian sports and opens up new possibilities for the nation's participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics.Agarwalla's journey to the Olympics has been a testament to his unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days as an eight-year-old enrolled at Kolkata's Tollygunge Club to his subsequent training in New Delhi and eventual move to Germany in 2017, Agarwalla has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the sport.Under the tutelage of 2004 Olympic champion Hubertus Schmidt, Agarwalla honed his skills and nurtured his Olympic dream. Despite facing doubts and challenges along the way, he persevered and remained steadfast in his pursuit of greatness.Agarwalla's qualification for the Olympics is a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. He earned the Olympic quota based on his impressive performances in four FEI events, showcasing his exceptional riding abilities and the remarkable bond he shares with his mount, Sir Caramello Old.The road to Paris is not without its challenges, and Agarwalla recognizes the importance of strategic planning and meticulous preparation. He has meticulously crafted a training schedule that includes prestigious CDI events in Germany, providing ample opportunities to refine his tactics and strategies.Agarwalla's achievement has not only brought immense pride to India but has also inspired a new generation of aspiring equestrians. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of dreams.