Pune’s Ashish Limaye Wins Historic Gold at FEI Asian Equestrian Championships
By Ketaki Latkar
Pune, 4th December 2025: Originally from Pune and now based in Germany, equestrian Ashish Limaye has scripted history by winning the individual gold medal in eventing at the FEI Asian Equestrian Championship in Pattaya, Thailand. The landmark victory ends India’s 43-year drought in eventing, last achieved by Raghubir Singh at the 1982 Asian Games.
Limaye produced a near-flawless campaign across dressage, cross-country and show-jumping, finishing with an impressive score of 29.4, ahead of China’s Hua Tian and Thailand’s Korntawat Samran.
— A Moment of Redemption–
The medal is especially emotional for Limaye, who was eliminated from a winning position at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games after an unexpected missed jump.
“This is a massive personal redemption for me,” he said, reflecting on the comeback.
–His Partner in Gold: Willy Be Dun–
Limaye credits the triumph to his 13-year-old Anglo-European Warmblood partner, Willy Be Dun, with whom he has trained for over three years.
“Any error would have cost us the medal. Willy gave 100% today,” he said.
He has also trained extensively under German coach Carola Bierlein, Jerome Robine and at the Embassy International Riding School (EIRS), Bengaluru, supported by the Embassy Group.
— India’s Best Showing —
India also clinched a team silver in eventing, with Limaye teaming up with Kassim Khan, Shashank Kataria and Shashank Kanumuri — marking the country’s best-ever performance at the FEI Asian Championship.
–A Proud Milestone for Pune–
Limaye’s achievement is a boost for Pune’s growing equestrian community, which still lacks large-scale infrastructure. His success, he hopes, will translate into greater support for the sport.
“We need the right support for riders, horses and training. I hope this win brings focus where it’s needed,” he concludes.
