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KARACHI: Pakistani horse rider Usman Khan has created history when he secured his berth in the Paris Olympics by achieving the minimum eligibility requirement at FEI 4-star event held in Ireland.
Lahore-born Usman achieved this feat with his horse Mairaj after competing in various European events.
Pakistani horse rider Usman Khan from Lahore has created history by qualifying for Paris Olympics. He achieved this feat with his horse Mairaj after competing in various European events. Congratulations. pic.twitter.com/uPVT7jk7Wv
— Muhammad Haroon Aslam HI(M) SBt (Lt Gen- Retd) (@AVeteran1956) August 2, 2023
Prior to achieving the feat in Ireland, Khan also participated in various events in Switzerland, France, Poland, Germany, and Belgium.
He travelled from France to Ireland via the UK to participate in the qualifying round, using multiple modes of transportation.
This is Khan’s second back-to-back qualification to the Olympics. He previously qualified for the Tokyo Olympics but met an accident in Australia that injured him severely while his horse died.
Usman will participate in eventing — a combination of cross-country, showjumping and dressage — that will test both the horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, Pakistan has qualified for Paris Olympics 2024 at local time 1030 in Ireland, Sunday 30 July 2023 during FEI ** 4-star Kilguilkey International Horse Trials at Mallow,” Usman told this correspondent in an electronic message.
Usman told Geo News that his achievement was big for Pakistan; however, it is also important for him to maintain this MER to keep the position in Paris Olympics.
“We have to keep this position maintained in next 12 months and for that we need a reserve horse and participation in events to come,” Usman said.
