The Equestrian Centre for Excellence surely has a great champion in the making - Fouad Mirza.
Recently, he won the 120 cms show jumping for adults and then a week later, he bagged the same event in the open category thereby confirming that he is the best in the sport.
Fouad, 21, is the son of Bangalore-based veterinarian, Dr Hasnyn Mirza and mother Indira. He is fortunate that his passion for equines and horse-riding is fully supported by his horse-loving family.
The Mirzas have been breeding and training horses for over six generations, and his father was a national-level show jumper who represented India. Fouad grew up on a stud farm outside Bangalore and instantly took a great liking for the horse, 'a most wonderful species among animals'.
Right now, he is deeply into equestrian sports and hopes to bring laurels to the state and country. His brother Aly is also a good equestrian exponent and has represented the country in many international competitions. Right now, he is studying in New Zealand and hopes to become a veterinarian like his Dad and then resume his equestrian career as well.
The two brothers have ensured that their trophy cabinet is overflowing as they bag event after event. He has also been adjudged the best young rider at many meets.
Show jumping is a very tough event in equestrian but Fouad has already made a mark.
"Fouad is a very talented rider and works hard as he has to deal with the moods of an animal. But he loves them and can coax them to do his bidding. I am sure he will become a champion and do well at the Asian Games and Olympic Games as well," said Nitin Gupta, Fouad's coach at ECE.
According to Nitin, Fouad must get the right support in terms of sponsorship.
"The government should support him as well because equestrian has its own specialities which must be taken care of. Luckily, he comes from an equestrian family and they have been doing all they can for him," said Nitin.