Sumrinder Singh Sira, Assistant Prof. Department of Business Management, Punjabi University, Patiala and Horse Breeder, in a press conference here told that the HSBSP is introducing Horse Sports with a view to broad base the ambit of various sports disciplines and with an objective of roping in and harnessing young and upcoming talent, to provide the much needed motivation for the young riders' prospective integration with the national level sporting mainstream, and to eventually win medals at the National and International meets.
Sumrinder also said that besides enhancing the health and welfare of horses in the state, this event would also add to tourism attraction of the state in the forthcoming times.
The First Punjab Endurance Meet will be held on April 24 at village Fatehpur, Tehsil and District Patiala that will have an introductory ride of 30 kms which would be run over two laps of 15 km each, with a Veterinarian check prior to start, one after the first lap and the third immediately after finishing the second lap.
Col. Sarpartap Singh, an International Equestrian Judge told that this step was taken to with an aim to preserve and look for the welfare of the indigenous horse breeds of India. To uplift the standards of upkeep and to introduce awareness amongst various breeders related to all aspects of horse health care.
He also told that 50-60 horses are expected to participate in the meet. Horses from Rajasthan and Haryana are also expected to participate. Prize money of Rs.21,000, Rs.11,000 and Rs.5,000 will be awarded to participants who would bag the first, second and third position respectively. He also told the media persons that serious efforts are being made to get this game included in the Commonwealth games in future.
In an answer to a question, Col Singh said that the society formed has no liasion with either any defence force or the government.
Surminder told that such meets would be held twice a year. The next meet will be held in October where rides of 40 km, 60 km and 80 km would be included. He said that for a rider to be eligible to participate, he
should be able to qualify the 40 km ride.
Free fodder for horses, free food for the riders and the ones accompanying them will be provided in the present meet, he added.
Prominent and founder members Gagandeep Ahuja, General Secretary (Media and Press); Kamalbir Singh Dhindsa, horse breeder and Equestrian promoter and Manu Sharma, eminent Equine photographer of international repute were also present in the conference.
It is hoped that such an endeavor will introduce to the new generation of riders; the skills associated with horsemanship and acquaint & expose them to the modern day equestrian sports, thus preparing them to eventually compete at the national and international levels.
