KARACHI: Pakistani horse rider Usman Khan created historical past on Sunday when he secured his berth within the Paris Olympics by reaching the minimal eligibility requirement at FEI 4-star occasion held in Eire.
Lahore-born Usman achieved this feat together with his horse Mairaj after competing in varied European occasions.
Previous to reaching the feat in Eire, Khan additionally participated in varied occasions in Switzerland, France, Poland, Germany, and Belgium.
He travelled from France to Eire through the UK to take part within the qualifying spherical, utilizing a number of modes of transportation.
That is Khan’s second back-to-back qualification to the Olympics. He beforehand certified for the Tokyo Olympics however met an accident in Australia that injured him severely whereas his horse died.
Usman will take part in eventing — a mix of cross-country, showjumping and dressage — that can check each the horse and rider in all features of horsemanship.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan has certified for Paris Olympics 2024 at native time 1030 in Eire, Sunday 30 July 2023 throughout FEI ** 4-star Kilguilkey Worldwide Horse Trials at Mallow,” Usman informed this correspondent in an email correspondence.
“App ko mubarak ho. Pakistan ko mubarak ho. Kamzoor ho, laikin dil mein chand sitra kie Mubahbat zindha hai [Congratulations to you. Congratulations to Pakistan. I am weak, but the love for the crescent and star lives in my heart],” the message added.
Usman informed Geo Information that his achievement was large for Pakistan; nonetheless, it is usually essential for him to keep up this MER to maintain the place in Paris Olympics.
“Now we have to maintain this place maintained in subsequent 12 months and for that we want a reserve horse and participation in occasions to return,” Usman mentioned.
“It is vital that authorities launch the funding they agreed to offer me beforehand, it is going to guarantee my easy crusing forward of Paris Olympics,” he added.
Usman had earlier certified for Asian Video games as nicely, however EFP didn’t affirm his participation earlier than the deadline.
Usman, Pakistani-Australian, relocated to France to organize higher for the Paris Olympics.