Etro effect: Equestrian Anush Agarwalla’s historic win at Asian games takes the world by storm

(October 5, 2023) Anush Agarwalla is exactly where he should be now — on top of the world. From weekend joyrides on horseback when he was barely three to becoming a passionate and accomplished equestrian years later — Anush Agarwalla has galloped his way to glory. This year, he became the winner of India’s first-ever bronze medal in individual Dressage at the Asian Games 2023. “There is no better feeling than having a good ride. With Etro (his horse), I really felt like we were flying in the arena,” smiles Anush, speaking exclusively to Global Indian after his historic win. He scored 73.030 to finish third and claim his second medal at the Asian Games.

Dressage champion Anush Agarwalla.

Etro shines  

Anush says Etro, the nine-year-old stallion by Escola, whom he has been riding only since February, has a very strong character. “He just went into the stadium and was ready to shine. Etro knew that he was the centre of attention and that is exactly what he loves. Everything was in perfect sync and it was just unbelievable fun to ride him,” says the champ.

Anush felt Etro’s amazing energy right from the time he entered the arena. “Our partnership is quite young. But the way he performed in Asian Games, I think he really grew out of himself. Etro was proud of himself when everyone around was clapping.”  Since 1951, India has won only 13 medals in the Asian Games equestrian (including the dressage team which Anush was part of and which won gold). India had not won an individual medal in the sport ever.  

Preparation 

The accomplished equestrian says the sole focus was on training for the big day. “I had some great coaches and we were constantly training. Importantly, I was happy with my horse. It felt good from the very beginning,” says the 24-year-old. Anush says he did not do anything special before the Asian Games when it came to preparations. “I don’t do anything special before any event in general because I just like to follow my daily routine and schedule. That’s what helps me best,” he says. 

He believes that changing anything in his training schedule affects his performance. “When I know that I have done something differently or included something new, other than my routine, I start getting nervous. So I just try to keep everything the way it is,” he says.  

The Team’s Gold win  

On September 26, the Indian Dressage Team made history by winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, marking the first time in 41 years that India has achieved this feat. The team, consisting of Anush, Sudipti Hajela, Divyakriti Singh, Hriday Chheda, showcased exceptional skill and teamwork to secure the coveted gold medal, marking a a significant milestone for India in the world of equestrian sports, particularly dressage, a form of horse riding where riders and their trained horse execute a series of precise movements.

Anush, along with the Indian Dressage Team.

Anush says the team was confident of the win from the very beginning. “As a team, we knew that we had good chances to win a medal. We had good results in the previous shows we competed at, which were also our qualifiers for the Asian Games. We knew if everything works out, we could win gold, but of course we were not 100% sure about it,” smiles Anush.

Still, hearing the announcement that the team won gold was the most amazing feeling ever, Anush says. “Everything worked according to our plan. All riders performed well, everyone was happy with the performance and it was just amazing to win the gold for the country.”  

Anush’s family was present at the stands cheering for him. “My experience at the Asian Games has been exactly what I ever wished for. Besides my coach, my family was in the stands. I could feel their constant support which was overwhelming,” says Anush, whose phone didn’t stop ringing with congratulatory messages pouring in from friends and well-wishers from across the world after the win. 

Born to ride

Anush Agarwalla, who was born in Kolkata in 1999, first sat on a horse when he was three-years-old. He would accompany his parents to the club. “Thereafter, I enrolled myself for riding lessons at the club. I was riding in the Tollygunge Club until the age of 11,” says Anush, who subsequently started to pursue his equestrian dreams in Delhi by training at OREA stables. 

“I used to travel back and forth from Delhi every weekend because I shifted my trainers from Kolkata to Delhi. I had to complete my schooling in Kolkata but ride on the weekends in Delhi” recalls Anush, who completed his class 10 from La Martiniere, Kolkata. He then shifted to Sri Ram School, Aravali.  

After finishing class 11, Anush moved to Germany to take the sport more seriously in 2017. “I realised that I was not at the level where I wanted to be and I would not be able to achieve my goals. That’s how the journey started,” says the horse rider, who trained with German Olympian Hubertus Schmidt.

Anush enrolled himself in the National Institute of Open Schooling and iOS to complete his class 12. “I was flying back and forth from Germany for my exams,” says Anush, who is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Paderborn in Germany. He is in his last semester and hopes to complete his undergrad degree by February next year.

In August 2022, equestrienne Shruti Vora and Agarwalla made history by becoming the first Indians to compete in an individual dressage event at the World Equestrian Championships in Herning, Denmark. He had also represented India in several international competitions, including the Asian Games 2018, where he finished seventh in individual dressage. 

What’s next?  

“My next goal is to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. I missed out on the Tokyo Olympics by just one spot so I hope to make it this time,” says Anush, who flew back to Germany immediately to begin training for his next milestone.

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