By sportswriters Zhang Han, Gao Meng
BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — Chinese eventing rider Alex Hua Tian is ready to compete on residence soil for under the second time, 15 years after his Olympic debut at Beijing 2008 within the Hong Kong SAR.
The delayed Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games are scheduled for Sept. 23 by means of Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, the capital of East China’s Zhejiang Province. Hua Tian described these video games as “incredibly important” throughout a latest interview with Xinhua.
In 2008, then 18-year-old Hua Tian, born to a Chinese father and a British mom, made historical past as China’s first Olympic athlete in equestrian sport and the youngest Olympian eventer worldwide.
“When I initially decided to ride and compete professionally, I resolved to represent China on the international circuit,” the 33-year-old mirrored.
“However, this meant that I’ve had limited opportunities to return to China with any of my horses and compete on home soil in front of friends, family, and fans.
“It’s difficult to keep up two groups of horses, one in China and one other in Europe,” added Hua Tian, who keeps his horses in a stable on the outskirts of Manchester.
“The Hangzhou Asian Games gives this uncommon alternative, and I can’t overstate its significance to me.”
The star equestrian introduced his new slogan, “Rider in Red,” at a press conference held in Beijing on June 14, ahead of the 100-day countdown to the 19th Asian Games.
Explaining his slogan, Hua Tian said it symbolizes the profound connection between horse and rider, which lies at the heart of horsemanship, and embodies his steadfast dedication to representing China.
“Representing China on the worldwide stage defines me. Whether that is the suitable factor to say or not, it describes me,” he stated.
Hua Tian, along with teammates Sun Huadong, Bao Yingfeng, and Liang Ruiji, secured China’s Olympic berth for Paris 2024 by finishing second at the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Millstreet, Ireland on June 4.
Reflecting on that achievement, Hua Tian said they were elated since China, as newcomers to the sport, had only a theoretical chance before the competition began.
“At the qualification competitors in Ireland at Millstreet, we, the Chinese eventing group, had been considerably underdogs. Not too far off the tempo, however Australia and Japan, with their in depth expertise within the sport and superior horsepower, had been the favorites.”
When the Japanese rider had his fence down, Hua Tian said, “We all stood there… I feel our jaws hit the ground. We simply could not imagine it.”
He considered this qualification “much more essential” than the one for the Tokyo Olympics when China qualified for an Olympic Games as a team for the first time.
“China had by no means certified as a group earlier than (Tokyo 2020) within the sport, and that qualification was historic and thrilling,” he said. “But analyzing it intently, the door was open for us.”
“This yr, nonetheless, it was a totally completely different state of affairs. We had two very aggressive groups, and we needed to beat one among them to safe our place.
“We managed it, which for me is a confirmation that China is starting to take our place at the Olympic level of equestrian sports, which is really exciting.”
He additionally lauded his teammates, stating he is “really proud of them.”
“We are still quite far behind the top nations in terms of experience and depth, but as riders, I believe we have reached a crucial level of maturity,” commented Hua Tian, who competed twice on the Asian Games as a part of a group.
Speaking concerning the Asiad in three months, Hua Tian mentioned he visited the “extraordinary” Tonglu Equestrian Park in 2021 and eagerly anticipates his group’s efficiency on the Games.
“The goal remains the same as always. It’s to perform as well as my horse and I possibly can on that day.”
Having performed a key function in creating the game within the nation, Hua Tian is captivated with China changing into a worldwide participant in equestrian sports activities sooner or later, “not just at a high level, at the Olympics or Asian Games, but as a global influence on how this industry evolves.”
“I’m a firm believer in the sport. I’m a firm believer in China. And I’m a firm believer in this sport in China,” he declared.