Fouaad Mirza wins Gold at an Olympic qualification event

Double Asian Games silver medallist Fouaad Mizra accomplished major honours at the CCI3*S, an Olympic qualifying event, held in Strzegom, Poland.

The Indian, who is currently the highest-ranked individual in Group G for Asia Pacific Zone with 34 points on one horse Fernhill Facetime, also has 30 points on the second horse Touchingwood and at present qualifying his third horse, Dajara.

Dajara, who is eight-years-old, is an impressive German Holsteiner with excellent credentials of wins including a German National Championship, Bundeschampionat, which was obtained by the Embassy Group.

“I am very excited about our new horse Dajara, which has immense potential for success at the Olympics. Through the event CCI3*S, we were able to level up the horse-rider combination to 4* and building up my points to qualify for the Olympics,” Fouaad said on Sunday.

Fouaad began his week with a very sturdy dressage score of 26.8 which placed him second with a very close score to German Antonio Baugmart, who was one penalty better at 25.8.

The Indian accompanied this with the showjumping event where he maintained the second position with a clear round. He finished the deciding cross-country round in four seconds over time, which bagged him the gold in the CCI3*S in Poland.

Speaking on his Olympic preparation, Fouaad Mirza said:

I am grateful to Mr. Jitu Virwani who has been my sponsor for the last eight years and has consistently supported me in my journey as an International level equestrian rider. His encouragement has always inspired me to put in my best at every stage.

Speaking on Fouaad's recent achievement Mr. Jitu Virwani, Chairman & Managing Director, Embassy Group said, "At Embassy, we are passionate about Equestrian and we are constantly striving to promote this sport in India. We applaud Fouaad's determination and hard work towards his qualifications for the Olympics 2020”.

Fouaad Mizra has also completed Renswoude NED CCI 4*S placed 11th, Jardy FRA CCI4*S, Strzegom POL CCI4*S placed 15th, Sopot POL CCI4*S placed seventh so far for Olympic Qualifying Events.

His next appearance competing at an event will be in Montelibertti ITY CCI3*S (Italy) and Le Pouget FRA CCI4*S (France).