ISLAMABAD, December 09 (Online): Usman Khan living in Australia and his giant leap taken in putting Pakistan on world map of Equestrian Eventing is a feat unmatched in the equine history of Pakistan. He underscored," I want to form Pakistan eventing team to promote our equestrian aims".
This views he expressed in a press release issued here Thursday. "I have built a platform to establish a coaching exchange between Australia and Pakistan and I hope that our government takes notice of my commitments. I want to take Pakistan eventing shoulder to shoulder with the world best," he informed.
A dynamic horseman and spatial scientist living in Australia also regarded as the next Khan of Pakistan. He is Pakistan equestrian’s eventing ticket to the next Olympics in Beijing 2008 and beyond.
Pakistani Equestrian Usman Khan recently participated in Asia Pacific Challenge at Sydney Olympic Equestrian Arena. The event is held every year under the title of Sydney International three day event, however, this year was inaugural year for the Asia Pacific Trophy at the Olympic Arena.
The competition ran from Sept 30 till Oct 3. There were riders from all over Australia and Asia Pacific Challenge was competed by India, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan. It was for the first time that Pakistan participated in any of such elite equestrian eventing competition of international level and Pakistani flag remained hoisted in the Sydney. Olympic. Equestrian Center throughout the duration of the competition.
The Asia-Pacific Trophy 2005 event was planned as extended entertainment over a long Australian weekend, sponsored by automobile giants Holden among many others, the competition also included a fashion parade, social night and food court for entertainment of visitors and participants. Interestingly, Usman was also called upon by the local media to anchor interviews of Asian riders in a program to be recorded later on.
Usman Khan gave a valiant performance considering his limited experience in eventing. His finest moment came in the competition of cross country where he finished 7th among 40 riders. However, amid tough competition from far more experienced riders and better quality horses, Usman could not repeat his stellar cross country performance in dressage and show jumping.
That did not take anything away from the tenacious Khan. Two weeks latter and learning from his experience he was crowd stealer at Reynella Horse Trials where got an overall 8th position at, almost beating his coach Wendy Schaeffer who is Atlanta Olympics gold medalist.
Another big achievement for Usman Khan to take home from this mega event was his advancement to the CCI One star level from Pre Novice level, based on his overall performance in Sydney and prior events. An average Australian eventer takes 2-3 years to reach 1-star ranking however this exceptional Khan has taken 3 months. In doing so he has received numerous injuries not only to himself but to his horses.
"My love is my country and my people. So I hope you understand this is just a beginning," he underlined.
He went on to say, "my goal is to take Pakistan Eventing to Beijing, nothing less and nothing more". He quotes Jinnah, "If we want to make this great state of Pakistan happy and prosperous, we must concentrate wholly and solely of the well being of the people" he said adding "if I have a full financial support and above all prayers of my nation, a day is not far when Pakistan becomes one of the greatest equine states of the world".
Earlier, Usman Khan thanked President of the Equestrian Federation of Pakistan (EFP) General Arif Hassan and Pakistan Sports Trust (PST) for providing financial contribution towards his cause. "This is the first step in the right direction" he said. He is hoping that alongside PST, other corporate bodies will sponsor. Usman also hoped that this first ever appearance of a Pakistani eventer in an Olympic arena at an international event will go a long way in promoting the game and paving way for his roadmap to Beijing 2008 and beyond.
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