Shruti Vora Makes History as First Indian to Win 3-Star Grand Prix Event

Triumphant Performance in Slovenia Highlights Veteran Rider's Dedication and Skill

Shruti Vora has made history by becoming the first Indian rider to win a three-star Grand Prix event. She secured this landmark victory in Lipica, Slovenia, with an impressive score of 67.761 points, surpassing her competitors Tatiana Antonenco from Moldova and Juliane Jerich from Austria, who scored 66.522 and 66.087, respectively.

In addition to her Grand Prix win, Vora delivered a commendable performance in the Grand Prix Special at the same venue, finishing second with a score of 66.085, just behind the Antonenco-Aachen combination.

Expressing her joy, Shruti Vora stated, "I am extremely delighted with the result. I have worked hard, and the victory is indeed satisfying. The win has come in an Olympic year, which makes it significant. The fact that I am the first rider from the country to win a three-star event makes it a special achievement. I will keep working hard to bring laurels for my country."

The Secretary General of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), Col Jaiveer Singh, praised Vora's efforts and highlighted the inspirational impact of her achievement. "This is great news for the Indian equestrian fraternity. This inspiring performance from Shruti has made the country proud. Many women are taking up the sport, and such milestones will inspire many more riders to strive for excellence," he said.

Vora, a veteran rider from Kolkata, has represented India in various international events, including the Dressage World Championship in 2022 and the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014. Her historic win comes as a significant boost to Indian equestrian sports, especially in an Olympic year.

Understanding Dressage

Dressage is a highly skilled form of riding performed in a 20m x 60m arena, bordered by a low rail. The arena has 12 lettered markers that indicate where movements start, changes in pace occur, and where movements end. The event has seven stages: preliminary, elementary, medium, advanced medium, advanced, Prix St George, and Intermediate-I. Scoring is done on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating "very bad" and 10 indicating "excellent."

This victory by Shruti Vora not only marks a personal milestone but also promises to elevate the profile of Indian equestrian sports on the global stage.

Reference:

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