Barath Manoharan achieves victory in India's first FEI Concours Saut international 2 event.

Bengaluru [Karnataka], October 22: In a landmark achievement for Indian equestrian sports, Barath Manoharan emerged victorious in the country’s first-ever FEI Concours Saut International 2 (CSI 2) two-phase competition. The event took place at the world-class Surge Stable in Bengaluru, where Barath rode Qina to an impressive win on Day 3, completing the 135 cm course in 36.03 seconds.

In a close contest for the top position, he narrowly surpassed Kirat Nagra, who finished second on Little Joe with a time of 37.29 seconds. Kirat, who also achieved a podium finish on Day 1, demonstrated consistent performance throughout the competition. M Krishna Sahithi, riding Asca IX Z, secured third place with a time of 39.74 seconds. Barath's victory earned him Rs 3,50,000, while Kirat and Sahithi received Rs 2,70,000 and Rs 2,02,500, respectively. The Grand Prix competition scheduled for later in the day was canceled due to inclement weather, according to a press release from the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).

"The successful hosting of India’s first-ever FEI CSI 2 event is a proud moment for Indian equestrianism. This event has brought together some of the finest young riders, showcasing their immense talent on an international platform. We are committed to advancing the sport in India and look forward to many more prestigious events in the future," stated Jaiveer Singh, General Secretary of the EFI.

In the FEI CSI Junior event, Jaiveer Verma took the top spot, completing a flawless jump-off round on Gianninaa to defeat Jai Singh Sabharwal, who had been dominant on Days 1 and 2. Jai, riding Elliot De Vesquerie, incurred penalties, reversing the standings from Day 2, where Jaiveer had finished second. Neil Kendall, riding Connecticut 16, claimed third place, surpassing Day 2's bronze medalist Avik Bhatia on BB's Nirvair. The top three riders in the Junior category received cash prizes of Rs 87,750, Rs 70,200, and Rs 52,260, respectively.

In the children’s category, Aradhana Anand maintained her winning streak, securing first place on Democratic for the second consecutive day. Harshvardhan Singh Gulia, riding Lady Kanan, finished second on Day 3, while Aagastya Sharma on Porto Bello came in third on both Day 2 and Day 3. Sresht Raju Mantena had placed second on Day 2, riding Dancing Queen 221. The winners in this category also received cash prizes, with Aradhana earning approximately Rs 68,000, as noted in the EFI press release.

India’s inaugural FEI Concours Saut International 2 successfully concluded at Surge Stable, Bangalore, from October 18-20. The event brought together over 50 riders aged 12 and above across various categories, including the Children (FEI CSI Ch) for riders aged 12-14 and the Junior (FEI CSI Junior) for riders aged 14-18, culminating in the highly anticipated CSI 2* competitions each day.