(October 22, 2023) If there is anything that motivates Sudipti Hajela to perform, it’s the sight of the tricolour. So, when she was saddled up and ready to prove her mettle at the Asian Games 2023 — she had one good look at the Indian flag, fluttering high in the arena. It boosted her confidence and led her gallop to glory. “Something magical happens once I see our flag. It helps me keep my focus and motivates me into giving my best. Playing for India is the biggest motivation,” smiles Sudipti Hajela, part of the four-member Indian Dressage team that won the historic gold medal for India, speaking to Global Indian.
The accomplished equestrienne, who trained hard for the Asian Games for last two years, says she woke up everyday with only one goal in mind — to put up a good show for India and clinch gold. “The four of us are very experienced riders and we have been training ourselves for a long time now. We were quite certain of a podium finish. I’m really grateful that we could all share this great historic win together,” says the 21-year-old, who is the youngest among the four. She accumulated 66.706 points. Her entire family was present at the venue to cheer for her.
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Rigorous training for Asian Games
India’s participation in Equestrian sport began in 1982, with the Asian Games in New Delhi. Sudipti has been training overseas for the last 10 years including London, Portugal and Thailand as well. “For the last two years, I have been training in Fontainebleau, a town in France and an hour away from Paris,” informs the equestrienne. One of the biggest advantages of training in Europe is that equestrians can compete every single weekend at a National or International level, which is essential for improving their skills.
Sudipti was coached by Camillee Judet Cheret, who has competed in the Olympics for France. As a sport, it’s a thriving industry In Europe, where there is interdependence and facilitation between the horse, trainer, infrastructure and environment.
Living alone, she says, is challenging. “Right from the time I wake up, plan my horse riding sessions, fitness while attending house hold chores, managing everything on my own gets difficult,” she says but is quick to add that it even taught her a lot.
A life of discipline
Sudipti had completely dedicated herself to her training. “I was always away and always training. I missed all the festivals and other events as I could not come home due to my training. Years have passed like that. But all these sacrifices yielded results.” At the crack of dawn, the first thing Sudipti tunes into is “Hanuman Chalisa.” “I listen to it really loud and it fills me with positive energy. It’s a must for me everyday,” she says.
Sudipti with Chinski
Sudipti then sits down to do an in-depth analysis of her everyday performance and the ways to improve further. Post that, it’s time for some workouts with her trainer and then she is at stables.
Born in Indore in May, 2002, Sudipti started her equestrian journey early at age six year. Back then, it used to be a summer hobby. “I used to pester my father to take me to Indore’s famous Chhappan Dukaan where I would ride horses,” she recalls, of her initial days of horse riding. Her father Mukesh Hajela is a businessman.
First ride to victory
She won her first national medal in 2013, when she was 10. Indian cricket great Sourav Ganguly presented her with the bronze medal. There was no looking back since as she started taking her training even more seriously.
“Ever since, I have been training abroad, has the best coaches and great exposure,” says Sudipti who completed her schooling from Daly College, Indore. She says she was lucky to have gotten into Daly college, which supported her in every aspect, which helped her reach the level where she is today.
Sudipti credits her horse Chinski for the victory. “We bond so well and that is the key in our partnership. I have been riding Chinski for last two years now,” informs Sudipti who bought the 16-year-old for the sole purpose of competing in the Asian games.
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Chinski’s story
It’s one of the best horses I have had,” she says of her horse. “My horse is everything to me. I love him with all my heart,” she says. After all, selective and specific breeding of quality horses is a niche aspect of the sport
She not only takes the best care of the stallion but feeds her and even gives him regular treats. “He loves carrots, apples and bananas. Both of us understand each other well,” says Sudipti, whose first ever CDI (Concours de Dressage) event was in Portugal a few years ago. This International Dressage event is recognised by the world governing body of equestrian sports.
Talking about her team, Sudipti says they are close friends as well. The four of us have really come together as a team. I could not have imagined having any better team mates than these three,” says Sudipti, who completed her schooling from Daly College, Indore.
Sudipti Hajela and Chinski at the Asian Games 2023
So what’s next ?
“I think the next goal for me is very clear, not to stop because post Asian games, sky is the limit,” smiles the equestrienne who has already begun preparing for the Paris Olympics 2024.
“Every athlete in the world have set their sights on Paris Olympics. I am excited for what’s coming in the near future. My training continues,” says the determined youngster, who is looking forward to make her presence felt at other national and international events as well.
Family support
Sudipti says her family has been the biggest support throughout. “My family and friends have supported me through thick and thin. In fact, two of my best friends even stayed with me abroad and were a constant support.”
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