Pakistani equestrian Usman Khan secures 2026 Asian Games spot

Karachi: Pakistan’s premier equestrian athlete, Usman Khan, has successfully qualified for the 2026 Asian Games following an outstanding performance at the International Three-Star Eventing competition held in France.

Mounted on his horse, Eden of the Vert, Khan secured an impressive sixth place overall among 59 competitors in the challenging CCI3*-L (Long Format) event. His performance distinguished him as the top Asian rider and enabled him to fulfill the Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MER) set by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for the Asian Games.

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In the overall team rankings of the three-day competition, Pakistan claimed a strong second-place finish, just behind host nation France. Indian rider Ashish Limaye finished ninth in the individual standings.

The contest featured a gripping rivalry between Pakistani and Indian riders across all phases. India took an early lead after the Dressage segment on day one, but Pakistan gained momentum during the demanding Cross-Country phase on day two. On the final day’s Show Jumping, Usman Khan delivered a flawless double clear round, solidifying Pakistan’s advantage over their Indian counterparts.

Reflecting on his achievement, Usman Khan said,
“It was an honour to compete alongside some of the world’s best riders. Securing sixth place and qualifying for the Asian Games is a proud moment for me, and I am excited to represent Pakistan on such a significant platform.”

This achievement marks an important milestone for Pakistan in international equestrian sports, highlighting Usman Khan’s dedication and skill as he prepares to compete at the 2026 Asian Games.