– Shyma S.
Hailing from Malappuram, Kerala, 21-year old Nida Anjum Chelat is in the news for a sport that is not something most Indians participate in, or even understand fully. She did so by completing four laps (120 kms) seven hours and 29 minutes of the exceedingly challenging Equestrian World Endurance Championship for juniors and young riders in seven hours and 29 minutes in Castelsagrat, France on Saturday, 2nd September 2023.
In doing so, she became the first Indian to complete the race. The goal of the competition is to finish all laps without any harm coming to the horse. While the UAE claimed both the individual gold and silver medals, Bahrain and France emerged victorious in the team categories. In a statement quoted in Maktoob Media, Nida said, “I am proud to be the first Indian to have achieved the feat and would try to bring more laurels to the country.”
Coached by renowned horse trainer and rider Ali Al Muhairi, Nida’s parents reside in Dubai and originally hail from Tirur, Malappuram. She is the daughter of Dr Anvar Ameen Chelat, managing director of Regency Group, and Minnath Anvar Ameen. Now, with this feat, she has paved the way to participate in the senior category. Astride her horse, Epsilonn Salou, she traversed hilly terrain, water bodies, and forest paths in the endurance event, a competition that tests the skills and expertise of the rider, as well as their ability to care for their horse.
