I began riding very young, thanks to my father who introduced me to camps near Mumbai, and later the Amateur Riders Club (ARC) in the city. It was a unique sport that instantly clicked with me…Hriday Chheda interacts with B Shrikant speaks
Recently, he became the first equestrian sportsperson to receive the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati State Sports Award for 2022-23, conferred by the Maharashtra Government in Pune.
This recognition comes on the heels of another historic feat: Chheda was part of the Indian team that clinched gold in Dressage at the Asian Games in Hangzhou — a first for the country.
Motivated by this latest honour, Hriday Chheda tells from his base in Europe that he now has his eyes firmly set on the upcoming continental and world championships, and eventually the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Here are excerpts from the interview conducted via Zoom:
Q: Congratulations on winning the Shiv Chhatrapati Award. How do such accolades motivate you?
HC: Awards like this are a great way of recognising our efforts, especially when they come from the State and government. Of course, we don’t pursue sports just for awards, but they validate our hard work. It’s encouraging — a reminder to keep doing what we do. Awards are not the goal, but a gratifying result of the journey.
Q: What drew you to a niche sport like equestrian?
HC: I began riding very young, thanks to my father who introduced me to camps near Mumbai, and later the Amateur Riders Club (ARC) in the city. It was a unique sport that instantly clicked with me — the bond you build with the horse over time is incredibly special. I’ve been riding since 2004, and it’s been a great journey.
It’s a tough sport to pursue seriously in India, which is why I’m currently based in Europe. But recognition like the Shiv Chhatrapati Award helps the sport gain visibility and might encourage others to take it up.
Q: How do you see your career evolving from here?
HC: We have a packed schedule ahead. In December, there’s the Asian Continental Championships in Pattaya, which is our next target. Then comes the World Equestrian Games (World Championships) in Germany in 2026 — that’s a big milestone I’m aiming for. There’s also the Asian Games in Japan next year. Performing well at these events will be key in qualifying for the 2028 LA Olympics, which is a long-term goal.
Q: How did winning the Asian Games gold change your career?
HC: It was life-changing. The recognition and support that followed were overwhelming. India was never seen as a contender in dressage, so our win changed perceptions — both at home and abroad.
Now, there’s growing interest in dressage in India, and international circles have started recognising us as an emerging force. It’s rewarding to know that this victory may inspire others to explore this discipline.
Q: Are you focused only on dressage or exploring other disciplines too?
HC: I’m fully focused on dressage. That’s the only discipline I pursue right now.
Q: Dressage is considered among the toughest disciplines in equestrian sport. What’s the biggest challenge for you?
HC: All three disciplines — dressage, eventing, and show-jumping — are tough in their own way. In dressage, it’s about harmony and precision. You have to make difficult movements look effortless, which requires years of training and deep connection with your horse.
It’s never about being perfect — you’re always learning, always improving. The smallest improvements bring immense satisfaction, and that’s what keeps me motivated. We may just be half an inch better than yesterday, but that’s progress.
