Meet city’s 13-yr-old horse race wonder

Equestrian is a sport that has not many takers in the country. In Telangana, the situation is even more dismal as far as making it a career option is concerned.

Irrespective of the reasons, what is more pathetic is that despite it being an excitingly exhilarating Olympic sport, there is hardly any adult craving to make a living out of equestrian.

In the otherwise sorry situation, a young lad from Hyderabad is emerging as the toast of Telangana State Equestrian Association (TSEA) with his exploits on the national and international firmament.

Looking like any other 13-year-old school kid, Abbas Hussain Khan is gradually perfecting the art of executing wining gallops every time he mounts a horse. He offers a breathtaking sight as he goes about dressage and show-jumping with the panache of a veteran, a trait that is winning him the approval of elders from the fraternity.

According to his mentor-coaches SL Reddy and KCS Reddy, the boy can go place once he hones the winning skills. They contended that this can be achieved when he gets more and more exposures abroad.

Incidentally, Abbas has returned from a hugely successful outing in Holland, where he stood out with his riding skills. ‘I wish to represent India in the Olympics and bring global glory,’ avers the exuberant lad, who has just finished his ninth standard at Meridian School.

Incidentally, his biggest support has been his father who not only bought horses but also established a practice ground nearer to his house at Moinabad.

Bolstered by the success and encouraged by his parents and administrators from TSEA, Abbas Khan is to go in for a special training in England later this month. TSEA President BV Papa Rao presented a cheque for Rs 1.5 lakh to the boy to pursue his overseas ambitions.

In a gesture that signified the awe he commands at his school, its principal Usha Reddy announced that the management had decided to extend a scholarship worth Rs one lakh to him. She said the school was in the forefront of promoting sporting talent along with academic excellence. Vaya Financial Services CEO Jagadish was also present on the occasion.