Kochi: Nida Anjum Chelat, a 22-year-old equestrian from Tirur in Malappuram, is set to make history at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors in Monpazier, France, on September 7. Nida is the first Indian woman to represent India at the FEI Endurance World Championship, an event organised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
Nida will compete aboard her mare, Petra del Rey, against 144 riders from 40 countries. Accompanied by her backup horse, Design du Claud, a stallion, Nida will tackle the gruelling 160-kilometre course. In France, she will compete against the stalwarts of the global equestrian sports from powerhouses like UAE, Bahrain, Italy, Spain, France, Uruguay, Argentina, Britain, and Hungary -- nations that have long dominated the endurance championships.
A student of Masters in Management and International Development in Spain, Nida spends her days in Kerala and Dubai, where her father heads a business group. She is the daughter of Dr Anvar Ameen Chelat, managing director of the Regency Group, and Minnath Anvar Ameen.
"I am incredibly excited and honoured to represent India at the Endurance World Championship for Seniors. The experience and confidence gained from last year's Junior Championship have fuelled my drive for this challenge. It's incredibly inspiring to receive so much love and support from everyone around me, and it motivates me to give my very best for our country on the global stage," Nida said.
The FEI championships are among the most esteemed in the equestrian world. The competition demands physical fortitude and an unbreakable bond between rider and horse as they navigate a course that truly tests their mettle. The championship is renowned for testing the endurance, skill, and synergy between rider and horse, with challenging loops designed to push both to their limits.
Nida has already made history by becoming the first Indian to complete the FEI Equestrian World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders last year. She accomplished the 120 km course in just 7 hours and 29 minutes, competing alongside 70 riders from 25 countries with her horse, Epsilon Salou.
Nida said her love for horses began during her childhood in Dubai. She entered the world of championships by winning the Gold Sword at the Abu Dhabi Endurance Championship when she was in the 12th grade. Renowned horse trainer and rider Ali Al Muhairi is her mentor.
Nida's personal trainer is Takhat Singh Rao. Dr Mohamed Shafi is the veterinary consultant. Nida holds a bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Birmingham, UK, and an IB Diploma from Raffles World Academy, Dubai. The race can be followed on the Yamamah App.
To know more about Nida: https://nidaanjum.com/