KARACHI: Pakistan’s top equestrian, Usman Khan, made a great comeback in the circuit over a year after an accident to secure Pakistan’s berth in the Asian Games.
Pakistan finished 12th in the FEI CIC 2-Star long format event, Haras De Jardy, in Paris, France, according to a message received by this correspondent from Usman Khan. Pakistan has finally qualified for the Asian Games in 2022-23.
Usman was involved in a terrible car accident last year, which landed him in rehab for 150 days. His horse, “Kasher,” had also died in the mishap as a result of the fall.
Khan, 41, has teamed up with Eden Du Veret, a seven-year-old French horse, this time.
The Pakistani athlete only obtained that horse 10 days before the competition and didn’t have enough time to properly prepare with him.
He is, nevertheless, optimistic about capturing medals with Eden Du Veret.
Usman informed Geo News that he could have finished second in Jardy as well.
“After dressage, Pakistan was ranked 11th in a large European field, and we had kept a low profile in the lead-up, so there was no pressure.” “We set a national record in dressage and went clear cross country with only six time penalties and one rail in showjumping,” he stated of the competition.
“We would have been on the podium if we hadn’t had time penalties.” Pakistan has a medal chance based on their performance,” he said.
Pakistan’s top equestrian noted that it felt fantastic to be back on the field after a long absence, and that seeing Pakistan’s flag flying throughout the European circuit was particularly memorable.
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