When they are all saddled up and out in the arena to perform, this group of four youngsters are a sheer delight. As the wind whips across their faces and the rhythmic pounding of hooves turn music to the ears, they are in perfect sync with their warm blood horses, who gallop to glory.
For Diviyakriti Singh, Sudipti Hajela, Anush Agarwalla and Hriday Chedda — the Indian Dressage team that won gold in the ongoing Asian games at Hangzhou, China recently — the mantra to success is simple — victory loves preparation. “We definitely dreamt of a podium finish but to win the gold medal is surreal, it’s extraordinary and it should be like that,” smiles equestrienne Divyakriti Singh while the remaining three nod in agreement, as Deccan Chronicle caught up with the winning combo, hours after their historic win which made India proud.
Close friends for years, the famous four share the same passion, cheer for each other in their successes and stand by each other when things are not in their stride.
Anush Agarwalla
For Anush, the Asian Games turned out to be a dream come true. A day after the Indian Dressage team won gold, Anush also won India’s first ever bronze medal in individual Dressage. He credits his horse Etro, the nine year old stallion and their partnership besides his training which has been going on non-stop since 2017. “Prior to any event, I don’t do any special form of training. I stick to my usual routine and spend time with my horse, which strengthens our bonding,” says the accomplished equestrian, who has been training with German equestrian Hubertus Schmidt, the Olympic and world championships gold medalist.
Anush believes that a change in his usual training schedule makes him nervous and affects his performance. “Anything else than my regular routine, be it for any event including Asian games, keeps bothering me. That’s the reason I just keep everything the way it is,” says the 24-year-old, who is presently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Paderborn in Germany.
He says Etro did the magic. “He just went out and performed his best. Etro loves being the centre of attention and it was great fun to ride him. Our partnership was in perfect sync,” says Anush, who has now set the Paris Olympics 2024 as his next target.
Divyakriti Singh
I have been based in Europe for the last three years preparing for the Asian games,” informs Divyakriti Singh, who has represented India at numerous international competitions in Europe and National competitions across the country.
The 23-year-old from Jaipur, Rajasthan, moved to Europe in 2020 for training for the forthcoming Asian Games and other international competitions. “I have been very involved with the daily routine of my horses. I’m in the stable every day, all days of the week, for the last two years,” smiles Divyakriti, whose family has been into horses and polo for decades.
A student of psychology in Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi, Divyakriti was frequently training in Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria and Florida, USA. She describes her horse, Adrenaline as a superstar. “He is my best friend and made my dreams come true,” says Divyakriti, who first rode a horse when she was in seventh grade. “The best three scores were counted from our team and I’m very happy that we were able to contribute to that,” she says. The Rathore family led by her father Vikram Singh Rathore, a former Army officer were present at the stands cheering for Divyakriti. “It was a very proud moment for us,” says Divyakriti, adding that horses are her passion, which motivates her to be a better rider. “There are ups and downs in every athlete’s journey. The one thing I’ve learnt from my career is not to fret over things that are not in your control,” says Divyakriti.
Sudipti Hajela
Sudipti has been training for the past 10 years. “For the last two years, I have been training in France. My everyday routine and schedule is very basic and I haven’t changed it a bit in last two years,” informs Sudipti.
She says that the only thing which keeps her focussed and so also her team mates, is the Indian flag. “That we are playing for the India is enough motivation,” she says. Born in Indore in May, 2002, Sudipti started her equestrian journey early at age six year. “I think the four of us have really come together as a team. I could not have imagined having any better team mates than these three. I am grateful we were part of this team,” says Sudipti, for whom what used to be a summer hobby, turned into a professional career years later.
Sudipti completed her schooling from Daly College, Indore which shaped her journey in Equestrian.
“Prior to the Asian Games, our expectations were very simple — to put up a very good show for India. As it is, the four of us are very experienced riders and we have been training ourselves really hard and for a long time now. We were certain that if we do a good show, we might end up at the podium and gave our 100 per cent,” says Sudipti, who has been training in London, Portugal and Thailand for last few years.
Hriday Chedda
The Asian games have a been a goal for me for almost a decade. I have worked towards it over the years by putting in lot of effort, training and gaining experience in Europe,” informs Hriday. He went a step ahead and gained more experience by working along side trainers and their stables in the day to day routines. “Though not being an employee, I did all the chores, just as any rider would do while working full time. Besides riding various horses, I did mucking out and all the daily yard duties. All of this made me the rider I am today,” he says.
Born in Mumbai in July 1998, Hriday’s passion for horses started at a very young age. “I first rode ponies that would come by our street in Mumbai. My first serious interaction with horses was when I went horse riding camp at japalouppe equestrian centre at age of 6. That’s where I got bitten by the bug.” “The next goal is to keep working harder and step up to Grand Prix level. I’ve always had the full support of my family in whatever I choose to do. They are absolutely thrilled with the result. So many people have been sending messages of love too,” says Hriday, who studied in Jamnabai Narsee school in Mumbai and then at Mallya Aditi international school Bangalore, for High School.
Hriday completed his undergrad from university of London in business and management.
