Ajai Appachu: Riding his way to Glory!

The nostalgia

I remember when I sat on horseback for the first time (This was about two decades back!). The feeling is indescribable: a mix of power, friendship, understanding and royalty – THAT is what it feels like to be astride a 500 pound animal. As I slowly began to immerse myself in the sport of Equitation, I learnt more of that community and the stronger players in it. Even back then, Ajai was one of the riders who were described as the “young rider” to watch out for. He would be the rider we would all want to emulate – whether it was for his dedication, commitment, talent or for the humility and kindness he displayed. Through the years he has only progressed in each of these fields and till today he is the same happy boy I interacted with so many years ago.

I caught up with him for a one-on-one on the occasion of his selection to represent the tricolor at the Asian Games. After spending some time with him, I know that his is a journey I will follow and thought that it really must be shared. Here is an excerpt of our conversation:

How and when did you first start riding?

I started horse-riding in Pune in Dec 1995. Initially, I was more into the sport of Polo and it was only later that I entered the World of Equitation.

Which was your first event? Which is your favorite amongst all the disciplines and why?

When I started this sport, there was not a lot of interest from the general public in it. It was too expensive and inaccessible for the locals. There were very few events across the country and limited opportunities to participate in local competitions. One of my first events was the Junior National Championships. And, I performed surprisingly well for an amateur. I was adjudged the best rider and the Junior National Champion.

Equitation is further divided into Dressage, Showjumping and Cross-country. I enjoy all three disciplines and aim to excel in all of them. This makes me a perfect contender for Eventing ( endurance event which includes all three events) . Over the years, in order to include a variety and broaden my spectrum, I have chosen to include the sports of Tent-pegging and Polo in my specialties.

When did you fall in love with the sport?

While in school, I was a very active kid. I was involved and performing fairly well in sports such as Skeet shooting, Football and Cricket In fact, I reached the School National level in Swimming. Sport was something I was generally good at. However, I did not feel unbridled passion for any one of these in particular and the day I got on horse-back, I knew – this was my passion for life. I got enticed and enamoured by Equestrian Sports from the very first day and there has been no turning back. Today, I cannot imagine my life without my horses. I guess, it was Love at first Ride.

When did you know this is what you wanted to do as a job? How did you go about making this your profession?

Honestly speaking, Equitation as a profession was never an option for me. Simply put, I got lucky. It became a job prospect once my potential was noticed by Mr Jitu Virwani , Chairman Embassy Groups. Not only did he give me a job as Chief Instructor at Embassy International Riding School, but also gave me unflinching financial support by way of sponsorship. This included complete sponsorship for both training and participation in competitions all over Europe.

What were the obstacles you had to overcome in our society where something so different is not encouraged as a vocation? How did you manage?

Yes, as is the case where anything other than the run of the mill professions is chosen, there were a million concerns and doubts about the choice I was to make. But I was lucky, because these concerns were not raised by the people who mattered – My parents. They were on my side. I had a lot of backing and complete support – this was in the form of both financial as well as the very important moral support. Subsequently, Mr. Jitu Virwani came in and made my life a lot simpler by taking on the onus of the financial requirements.

How many national and international events have you participated in? What’s your medal tally?

I have been doing this for so long that I have lost count of the number of events that I have participated and won in. This cabinet houses all the important medals and trophies – so you can get an idea from this

Which has been your most memorable event yet?

My most memorable win was in Seoul, South Korea where I won the Individual Gold for India. I was on the podium, the Indian Tri-colour was hoisted to the strains of our National Anthem – the patriotism, pride and joy you feel in that moment – it cannot be described, it has to be experienced!!!

Whats next?

As you are aware, I have qualified to represent India at the Asian Games to be held in Sept, 2014 at Incheon, South Korea. My aim is to excel in this event.

Ajai leaves later this week to the UK and will be participating in events as well as continue his training there to peak for the Asian games. We will be in touch and following his journey right through. This is me, wishing and praying for an excellent season for him, hopefully another opportunity to stand on the podium to the strains of our national anthem and another addition to the already overflowing cabinet.