Equestrian no longer an elite sport: Imtiaz Anees

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 29

One of India’s most decorated equestrian Imtiaz Anees believes that the sport still needs attention from the corporate world and the government.

Also read: Chandigarh horse show: All for the love of city & equines

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“Ours is a sport which needs a lot of land, where we look for the government help. And to attract more and more participation, we need contributions from the corporate sector. If we compare with other countries, we still have a lot to cover. This is the only sport where men and women compete with each other and moreover an entire family can participate, which is unique in a way,” Anees said on the sidelines of the Chandigarh Horse Show.

The 50-year-old, who competed in the individual event at the Sydney Olympics in Sydney in 2000 and finished 23rd overall, said that the sport had gained popularity in the past few years.

“It is no longer a sport of the elite class. Over the years, we have seen many good riders coming from humble backgrounds. This sport is very much in the reach of the common man and we have to reduce this gap further by taking more and more people along. Moreover, the kind of exposure we have is very much making this sport popular among people from all classes,” said Anees.

Offering tips to the youngsters, Anees said it seemed like an individual sport, but it really was a team game.

“The riders should have a very good equation with their horse. The horse is equally important. Many times a rider is full of enthusiasm, but the horse gets some kind of injury. The rider has to take proper care of his/her horse. So, it’s not an individual sport,” Anees explained.

He also stressed the need to improve and promote professionalism in coaching.

“It is an important part of the game. This can only improve through various exchange programmes with other countries. Equestrian is an Olympic sport and needs proper attention. The Equestrian Federation of India does their part, but I feel there should be more exchanges on coaching/camp/seminars with other countries,” he said.

The three-day event, which is being held in association with The Tribune publication, started with much fanfare.

Over 100 riders participated in jumping events on Day 1 of the event.