Bengaluru, October 10
The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) announced on Thursday that the Asian Equestrian Federation Cup- Youth (AEF Cup- CSIY-B), an International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) approved Asian level Showjumping event for youth riders, will mark the return of international equestrian to the country after a gap of 14 years.
With the aim to create more competitive opportunities for Indian youth riders, the AEF Youth Cup will ensure world class competition at home. The competition will see a total of 11 countries, including hosts India competing at Surge Stable in Bengaluru with state-of-the-art facility from October 11-13, as per a press release from EFI.
The format of the competition is of borrowed horse with an age limit of 16-21 years for the riders having a 115 cm maximum jump level.
India will have two participants - E Suryaa Aaditya and Avik Bhatia, as they topped the selection trials held at Surge Stable in Bengaluru on Thursday, which was attended by 11 riders.
"The EFI is proud to have successfully brought this FEI-approved international tournament to India after a 14-year hiatus. Hosting such a prestigious and competitive event is not just a point of pride for us at EFI; it's a tremendous opportunity for Indian riders to experience top-tier competition right at home. This tournament allows us to showcase India as a promising destination for international equestrian events, enhancing our status in the emerging global equestrian market. Moreover, it provides local riders with the chance to excel in familiar conditions, further elevating the sport in our country," said EFI Secretary General Col Jaiveer Singh.
Rest of the 10 participating countries will be showcasing one rider each from Kuwait, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan will be seen in action.
Both Surya and Avik have risen through the EFI junior rank competitions. Surya was a silver medallist at JNEC in both Dressage and Jumping events in 2022. He has also won a silver medal at the Grade III NEC event last year.
Avik was adjudged the best junior rider (2023) and the best young rider this year at the Delhi Horse show. He is also a medal winner at the junior and senior Nationals.