Kochi: Keralite equestrian Nida Anjum Chelat has made history by becoming the youngest rider in the world to complete the prestigious FEI Endurance World Championship for seniors.
Competing against 118 riders from 40 countries, 22-year-old Nida has also become the first Indian woman to complete the Endurance Championship held in Monpazier, France.
A native of Malappuram, Nida is pursuing a Master's in Management and International Development in Spain. Only 45 participants successfully completed the race. Riding her 12-year-old mare, Petra del Rey, Nida completed the 160 km course in just 10 hours and 23 minutes, overcoming challenges that included six gruelling loops, with distances ranging from 20 to 38 km. During the championship, 73 horses were eliminated.
Bahrain and UAE secured individual medals in gold and silver, respectively, while France and China emerged as the team winners for gold and silver, respectively.
With the Indian flag adorned on her helmet and jersey, Nida finished 61st in the first stage, 56th in the second, 41st in the third stage, 36th in the fourth stage, and 27th in the fifth stage. She completed the championship in impressive 17th place overall, with an average speed of 16.09 km per hour.
"It has been an incredible honour to represent India at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors. The experience has been both challenging and exciting, but the support and love I've received have inspired me to give my best. This is a proud moment for me and my country," said Nida.
This achievement follows Nida's historic completion of the FEI Equestrian World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders last year, where she finished a 120-km course in record time. Nida was also the first Indian woman to achieve the 3-star rider status by successfully completing a 160-km ride more than once.
