China gallops to equestrian golds

Team and individual victories herald progress, potential, FEI president says

The Hangzhou Asian Games' world-class equestrian venues, history-making performances by Asia's top riders and the organizing committee's outstanding efforts have deeply impressed International Equestrian Federation (FEI) president Ingmar de Vos.

"I'm very happy for the whole host nation and the organizing committee. I would like to congratulate the organizing committee for staging the Asian Games in such a great way. From what I've seen, it's fantastic and extraordinary," De Vos told China Daily.

"I must say, they have done an outstanding job. The infrastructure is state-of-the-art. We will work together to make sure that this venue stays operational.

"We need to involve the Chinese Equestrian Association to support us. There are a lot of people who are necessary to make the sport more successful."

The Tonglu Equestrian Centre is located in Yaolin town in Hangzhou's Tonglu county, about an hour-and-a-half drive from the city center. It has been quite packed lately.

"I think it is very special because the competitions are staged during China's (weeklong) National Day holiday," De Vos said.

"It's a holiday normally for people to spend with family, but we see many people are here, and everybody is enjoying the sport. So, it shows that the sport also has a very strong community. It's a very strong family.

"You see the enthusiasm of the spectators and of the athletes. It's fantastic. It's one big celebration of family and being together."

De Vos witnessed history as China won its first-ever Asian Games equestrian titles on Monday, when it took the eventing team gold, while Alex Hua Tian took the top prize in the individual competition.

"I've known Alex already for many years, and I've seen him on many occasions," De Vos said.

"I can only say to Alex: 'Finally, congratulations! Well done, and you deserve it'."

De Vos said these golds are the best testimony to the growth of China's equestrianism. Such a milestone will become an inspiration to the younger generation and will boost the sport's development in the country, he said.

"Youth is the future. I think we need to explain to the youth that it's not only a sport, but it's a passion. It's a partnership with the horse," he said.

"Equestrianism is all about the unique bond between the horse and rider. And, more importantly, it's a sport in which men and women compete side-by-side. It is also the only sport where men and women compete together with an animal. It is so unique," he continued.

"I think we have a great future in China. There are many Chinese cities where I believe there is a place for equestrian sports and for more big international events."