Equestrian sports is one of the most challenging sports in the world. It combines the skills of the rider and his/her horse. Whether it is tent-pegging, polo, horse racing or horse jumping, equestrian sports gives people some truly breathtaking spectacles.
The subcontinent, particularly India and Pakistan, is no stranger to the equestrian sport as horseback events are an age-old tradition around here. Sports such as polo and tent-pegging have deep-rooted ties to the land that date back all the way to the Mughal era.
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However, a country like Pakistan, with such rich heritage when it comes to equestrian sports, has not qualified for any equestrian Olympic event in over 73 years! Until a man by the name of Usman Khan came along.
The story of Usman Khan
Meet Usman Khan, the man who managed to take Pakistan equestrian to the Olympic Games 2020. It all started back in 2005, when a young 23-year-old Usman decided to launch a small equestrian project with just $50. At first, everyone laughed at the absurdity of getting the Pakistani equestrian to the Olympics. After all, this is a sport that requires millions of dollars of funding from the state!
Just to give you an idea, Saudi Arabia had to spend over $25 million to purchase horses in order to qualify their national team for the London Olympics 2012.
Despite all the odds, Usman began his training in Australia. For the next 15 years or so, he gave his blood, sweat, and tears to his vision of taking Pakistan to the Olympics. There were setbacks, failures, and even broken bones, but Usman and his magnificent horse ‘Azad Kashmir’ overcame the odds.
Even though arch-rivals did all they could to disqualify Usman for naming his horse, Usman stuck to his guns and did not back down. Eventually, Usman and Azad Kashmir went on to compete for the qualifiers by the Federal Equestrian International (FEI).
Eventually Usman’s vision came to fruition as he and his trusty stead qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Not only that, they went on to win two FEI events! A truly amazing achievement that saw bottom-ranked Pakistan reach the coveted number one spot in the FEI’s Asia and Middle East/Africa rankings. As for the Olympics, Pakistan is ranked No 2 in Olympic Ranking Group F.
Setbacks
Usman wanted to try his luck at the Olympics this year as well.
Usman was set to make his nation proud this year but unfortunately, no one could have predicted the global pandemic that was the coronavirus. Due to circumstances, the Olympics have been postponed till next year.
There was more bad news for Usman and Pakistan as the incredible horse ‘Azad Kashmir’ passed away last month. The news was not only devastating for Usman but for Pakistan as well because now they have to requalify for the Olympics. And there is no backup horse available to Usman.
Despite all this, Usman Khan has done his nation proud. In his time of need, we can appeal to the government and private sector to help this man make history. He needs sponsorship to help with the procurement of 4-star horse. This will improve Pakistan’s chances to regain the Olympic qualification.
Its time we do our part and contribute to Pakistan’s roadmap to Tokyo Olympics 2021.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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