Mumbai Teen Taarini Lodha Shines in Junior National Equestrian Championship Qualifiers

Mumbai’s 12-year-old Taarini Lodha topped the qualifiers for the Junior National Equestrian Championship in Bangalore. Joining her are Arya Chandorkar, Rehaan Shah, and Stasya Pandya, all set for the Nationals in December 2024 in Delhi under the Equestrian Federation of India.

Mumbai resident, 12-year-old Taarini Lodha, emerged victorious in the qualifying round for the Junior National Equestrian Championship in Bangalore, clinching the top position in the under-12 Dressage category. Representing the Amateur Riders' Club (ARC), Taarini alongside Arya Chandorkar, Rehaan Shah, and Stasya Pandya, secured their spots for the Nationals slated to be held in Delhi in December 2024. This prestigious event is organized under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), with participants competing in categories of Show Jumping and Dressage.

In the JNEC Dressage Children II category, Taarini Lodha took the first position on the horse 'Belvedere'. Meanwhile, in the JNEC Show Jumping Children I category, Rehaan Shah and Arya Chandorkar also qualified, with Stasya Pandya securing her position in the Children II category.

The JNEC Show Jumping Junior Riders category saw Jahnvi Raheja and Vritika Gambhir secure their qualifications. These talented equestrians are trained at a world-class facility in the ARC at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, which has nurtured prominent athletes like Hriday Chheda, a gold medalist in the 2023 Asian Games, and Yashaan Khambatta, a representative at the 2014 Asian Games.

Expressing her gratitude, Taarini said, "I am very thankful to ARC for their support and the international-level training facilities. My coach Bob has been incredibly supportive and Belvedere, my horse, has been a trustworthy companion. I also thank Cathedral and John Connon School for their support." Milan Luthria, President of ARC, added, "We are thrilled that six of our young riders have qualified for the Junior Nationals in December. Our commitment to providing top facilities, coaches, and horses has contributed to these successes, inspiring more youngsters to take up this sport."