Chheda shared his thoughts in a freewheeling exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal. Excerpts..
Q) Congratulations on receiving the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award in Equestrian. How do you feel being the first equestrian rider to get the award?
A: It feels incredible. It’s amazing to see equestrian sports being recognized by the state of Maharashtra. Being the first rider to receive the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award is truly an honor. I hope this paves the way for many more athletes in the coming years to achieve the same and bring greater glory to the sport.
Q) Tell us a bit about your journey from training at ARC in your early days to clinching the Asian Games gold in Hangzhou.. At what age did you start equestrian?
A: I became a member of ARC around 2008, so it’s been nearly 17 years. I've grown tremendously and done a lot of riding since then, especially during the time I was still living at home. ARC’s location in the heart of the city made it easy to train before or after school. We had the opportunity to ride five days a week, which really helped build consistency. I used the facilities extensively, and they played a major role in my development. I remember waking up at 5 AM in Juhu to ride by 6 AM, finishing in time to be back at school by 9. That routine in 2009, 2010, and 2011 laid a strong foundation for my journey.
Q) What was the experience like competing at the Asian Games in Hangzhou?..
A: It’s always a matter of immense pride to represent your country on such a prestigious international stage. We had a fantastic team, and the camaraderie among the riders was exceptional. While we were optimistic, no one truly expected us to win the gold—so it came as a very pleasant surprise. In particular, our win brought attention to dressage, which has long been an underdog discipline in India. Hangzhou itself was one of the most phenomenal venues we’ve been to. The facilities were top-notch, with great attention to detail and excellent care for the horses. We had an incredible experience overall and shared unforgettable moments with our teammates. I hope we get to relive that someday.
Q) India won gold in equestrian dressage after 41 years. What does that achievement mean to you?
A: It’s a surreal feeling. To bring home a gold medal in dressage for the first time after 41 years is something we’re all extremely proud of. I hope we can build on this success in the future, both as a team and individually. The sport is growing in India, and this medal has given it significant momentum.
Q) What is it like mentoring the next generation of Indian equestrians? How has that journey been?..
A: It’s very fulfilling. Even before the Asian Games, I was involved in organizing events and supporting young riders in Maharashtra. I’ve always been enthusiastic about contributing to the sport at the grassroots level. Now, I train and mentor upcoming riders whenever I’m in India, sharing my experiences and guiding them. The medal win has given dressage a real push, many more riders are now considering it seriously. It’s an exciting time, and I hope to help others reach the top level.
Q) Besides the Asian Games, what are some other career highlights for you?..
A: It’s been a long journey since I started riding in 2004. Every small milestone has been meaningful, whether it was winning my first junior national medal or placing first in the FEI World Challenge Dressage for our zone. In 2015, I became one of the youngest riders to win the national championship at the Prix St. George level, when I was just 17. That was held in Pondicherry and remains a cherished memory. Another standout moment was my first international competition in Slovakia, where we won the Intermediate I Freestyle. Hearing the Indian national anthem play there was unforgettable. That performance is still one of the highest scores recorded by an Indian athlete at that level. More recently, I’ve competed in my first International Grand Prix, and I believe I’m on the right path to achieve more.
Q) Can you tell us a bit about your training regimen and fitness routine..
A: My training schedule depends on the number of horses we’re working with each day. Typically, I ride six to eight horses daily, six days a week. Training starts around 7:30 AM and continues until 2:00 or 3:00 PM. Evenings are dedicated to horse care and facility maintenance. Each horse has its own program, and the intensity of training varies day to day depending on their individual needs.
Q) How has your family supported you on this journey and tell us a bit about them..
A: My family, especially my father, has been incredibly supportive. I’ve had the freedom to pursue this sport wholeheartedly from a very young age. I was allowed to live and train independently in different cities, which many parents might hesitate to permit.
I went to Germany alone at 13 to train, and later moved from Mumbai to Bangalore for four years to train at a higher level. These big decisions wouldn’t have been possible without my family’s trust and support, financially and emotionally.
My father has been a pillar of strength, always encouraging me and never holding me back. I truly believe I couldn’t have come this far without them.
