Itanagar, Feb 19: Adding variety to the celebrations of the 33rd Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh, the 1st Itanagar Horse Show and Regional Equestrian Meet organized by the Arunachal Pradesh Equestrian Association kick started today.

The huge crowd especially the young children were enthralled by a Tent Pegging display. The key participants of the program are NCC, Assam Police, ITBP Lohitpur, Assam Rifles, 3 Corps, 4 Corps, Equestrian Federation of Assam & Assam Valley School. A total of 119 riders and 38 horses will perform during the 3-day long event.

Attending the event as Chief Guest, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein urged the Arunachal Pradesh Equestrian Association to take forward the sport as the state has a wide scope for adventure sports. He also appreciated the participants and congratulated the organizers and assured support from the state government in introducing horse riding sport.

Chief Secretary and guest of honour for the 1st day, Satya Gopal while addressing the gathering said that the 1st ever equestrian meet and foundation of Arunachal Pradesh Equestrian Association marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the state. “There are many things for us to learn from the horses, the grace and the poise as well as the stamina of horse is unparallel, the will to overcome obstacles and reach the destiny is a quality that administrators need to imbibe in themselves in today’s context,” said the Chief Secretary. The event should motivate youths to mount the horse and overcome obstacles and achieve new heights of glory and achievements, he added.

Expressing his gratitude for a grand event at such a short notice Chief Secretary also informed that over the next two days, the organizers had planned a series of events for the interest of riders and public at large and also to attract local talents.

On this occasion, to encourage the participants, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have decided to give away medals in the top three categories and honorarium to all the participating team, informed the Chief Secretary who also paid homage to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack. 

Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner informed that the Equestrian Association of Arunachal Pradesh is a registered society and affiliated with the Arunachal Olympic Association.

Lakhan Mittal won the show jumping children I category , while Karan Ngatay Bam and Yuvraj Surekha tied for second place. Keshav Mour took the forth place.

Anikaith A Joshi came first in the show jumping children II category and Prashuk Jain came in at second place. 

The meet would continue till February 21 at the 1st AAP B.N Ground, BHQ Chimpu, Itanagar. DIPRO