“After winning gold, naturally, there’s expectation”: Indian Dressage athlete Hriday Chheda on India’s podium hopes at Asian Games 2026

By Karunesh Kumar

Tokyo [Japan], September 18 (ANI): Hriday Chheda, a part of India’s historic gold-medal-winning dressage workforce on the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, acknowledged the heightened expectations surrounding the squad forward of the 2026 version, however stated the main target would stay on staying calm and delivering on the day.

The twentieth Asian Games get underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Saturday (September 19), with a robust Indian contingent that includes Olympic medallists and reigning champions throughout a number of disciplines. The Games will likely be held from September 19 to October 4, with athletes from 45 international locations and areas set to compete throughout 43 sports activities and 469 medal occasions.

With a very new workforce and Chheda using a distinct horse, he recognised that the problem could be completely different however remained hopeful of one other robust efficiency and a podium end for India.

“Last time, we came with no expectations. We were all young riders, and it was our first championship at that level. After winning the gold, naturally, there’s an expectation that we should be on the podium again. All I can say is that we want to give it our best shot and do everything we can to make that happen. For us, the key is to stay focused on the day, keep our calm and concentrate on doing our jobs well. If we can all put in a good performance, I think another podium finish is certainly possible,’ Chheda told ANI. 

‘It’s a completely different team this time. I’m the only rider from the last Asian Games, and I’m also riding a different horse, so it’s going to be a new experience for me as well. It’s a competitive field, but we’re looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can perform well and bring another good result home for our country,’ he added. 

At the Hangzhou Asian Games, Chheda was part of India’s four-member gold-medal-winning dressage team alongside Anush Agarwalla, Divyakriti Singh and Sudipti Hajela. He has now been selected to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games, where he will compete alongside Shruti Vora, Gaurav Pundir and Jai Sud.

Chheda expressed his excitement at representing India at the Asian Games for the second time, while noting that the horses are still settling into their new surroundings after the team arrived in Japan. He said the focus is on adapting well, staying prepared and putting up a strong performance.

“I’m actually excited for the occasion. It’s a fantastic feeling to be representing the nation for the second time on the Asian Games. We arrived in Japan two or three days in the past, and the horses are nonetheless settling into the brand new setting. It’s additionally actually thrilling to be right here in Tokyo, which hosted the Olympics. We’re wanting ahead to the competitors and hoping to place up a robust efficiency,’ he stated. 

The journey to the Asian Games podium was removed from an in a single day success. India returned from the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and not using a medal, however the 4 years that adopted marked a major shift within the preparation, publicity and growth of Indian riders. That interval laid the groundwork for the breakthrough that got here on the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Chheda highlighted the numerous development of equestrian sport in India because the workforce’s Asian Games gold within the earlier version, with extra younger riders now pursuing dressage on the highest stage. 

He careworn that the medal has helped make worldwide success really feel extra attainable whereas bringing better recognition and visibility to the game, which he believes is essential for its continued development within the nation.

‘I believe the game within the nation has already seen large development since our final Asian Games medal. There are many extra children taking over the game and pursuing it at a better stage. They’ve seen that profitable a medal in dressage is definitely attainable, whereas earlier, for a lot of, it appeared like a distant dream,’ he added. 

‘Over the final three years, because the final Asian Games, I’ve seen many extra riders and contributors working in the direction of competing at these higher-level championships. That undoubtedly makes a big impact on the game. It additionally brings much-needed recognition and a spotlight to equestrian sport in India. We’ve historically had much less visibility on this sport, so the success brings extra eyeballs to it, and I believe that is precisely what is required to assist push the game ahead,’ he concluded. 

India completed fourth within the Hangzhou medal standings with 107 medals, together with 28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze, and will likely be aiming to keep up that momentum in Japan. (ANI)