Anush Agarwalla Secures India’s First Dressage Quota for Paris 2024 Olympics
Dara Singh Chahal
New Delhi, 20th feb 2024: Anush Agarwalla has made history by securing India’s first Olympic quota in dressage for the Paris 2024 Olympics, confirmed by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) on Monday. This marks a significant milestone for India, as its previous seven equestrians have all competed in eventing at the Summer Games.
Dressage competitions involve the performance of predetermined movements by the horse and rider within an arena bordered by a low rail, where the horse must execute its movements.
Agarwalla, who clinched India’s first individual medal in dressage at the Asian Games last year with a bronze, earned the Paris 2024 quota based on his exceptional performances in four FEI events. Notably, his medal-winning ride was aboard Etro in Hangzhou.
During the FEI events, Agarwalla, partnered with his horse Sir Caramello Old, achieved impressive scores of 73.485% in Poland, 74.4% in the Netherlands, 72.9% in Germany, and 74.2% in Belgium.
While the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has confirmed the quota, the final decision regarding athlete representation at the Paris Games lies with the National Olympic Committees (NOC). The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) will conduct a trial to select the final candidate for Paris 2024.
Expressing his gratitude and pride, the 24-year-old Agarwalla stated, “I am very proud and grateful to have been successful in securing a berth for India at the Paris Olympic Games. I am confident that I will be selected to represent India at this prestigious stage.”
The quota obtained by Agarwalla marks India’s 40th berth at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Fouaad Mirza represented India in equestrian at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while earlier athletes such as Imtiaaz Anees (Sydney 2000), Indrajit Lamba (Atlanta 1996), and others have showcased their skills under the Indian flag at previous Summer Games.
