India Hosts Historic FEI CSI 2 Show Jumping in Bangalore

India hosts the FEI CSI 2 event for the first time, showcasing talents at Surge Stable in Bangalore. Competitions span categories like Children's and Junior Show Jumping. Kiran Akhade clinches victory in the main event, highlighting India's growing status in equestrian sports.

For the first time, India is playing host to the prestigious FEI Concours Saut International 2 (CSI 2), with events taking place at the Surge Stable in Bangalore from October 18 to 20. The competition welcomes riders aged 12 and above, competing in categories including Children (FEI CSI Ch) and Junior (FEI CSI Junior) Show Jumping events. The Children's category comprises 12 to 14-year-old competitors, while the Junior category is for those aged 14 to 18. These activities are the precursor to the much-anticipated daily CSI 2 competition.

On the opening day of the CSI 2 event, with a demanding obstacle height of 130 cm, Kiran Dinesh Akhade put on a remarkable performance atop his horse SRS Newgrange. At just 22, Kiran achieved a time of 69.36 seconds, establishing a lead of more than 8 seconds over second-place finisher Saravanan, riding Mewrick BMG. Kirat Nagra on Little Joe occupied the third spot on the podium with 83.84 seconds. Kiran's outstanding victory secured him a prize of Rs 3,37,500, while Saravanan and Kirat took home Rs 2,70,000 and Rs 2,02,500 respectively, as announced by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). Col. Jaiveer Singh, General Secretary of the Equestrian Federation of India, remarked, "This event showcases the burgeoning talent in Indian equestrian sports and places India firmly on the global map for premier show jumping competitions."

In the FEI CSI Junior competition, Jai Singh Sabharwal secured the top position with a timing of 65.68 seconds riding Carna De La Bryere. He narrowly surpassed M Krishna Sahiti, who clocked 66.65 seconds on Claudius R. Enaith Singh Habibullah riding Roanwood My Hometown secured third place with a time of 67.02 seconds. Jai Singh's victory awarded him Rs 87,750, while second and third positions received Rs 70,200 and Rs 52,260, respectively. The Children's category was also fiercely contested, with Eshaan Sundaram (72.06 seconds) riding Pat narrowly defeating Arnav Navratna (73.87 seconds) on Long Range by just 1.81 seconds. Puneet Jakhar concluded in third place with a timing of 77.2 seconds. Besides the tangible rewards, the event offered the chance to qualify for the AEF Cup Children Final in Indonesia, an opportunity seized by 12-year-old winner, Eshaan Sundaram.

(With inputs from agencies.)