KARACHI: Making history, Pakistani equestrian Usman Khan on Sunday qualified for the Paris Olympics by fulfilling the minimum qualification requirement for the FEI 4-star event held in Ireland.
Born in Lahore, Usman and his horse Miraj achieved this feat after competing in various competitions across Europe.
Before achieving the feat in Ireland, Osman – who traveled to Ireland from France via Britain – took part in various events in Switzerland, France, Poland, Germany and Belgium.
This is Usman’s second back-to-back Olympic qualification. He had previously qualified for the Tokyo Olympics but had an accident in Australia in which he was seriously injured and his horse died.
Usman will compete in the event – a combination of cross-country, show jumping and dressage – which will test both horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship.
“By the grace of Allah, Pakistan has qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 during the FEI ** 4 Star Kilguilkey International Horse Trials at Mello on Sunday 30 July 2023 local time in Ireland,” Usman said. told this correspondent in an electronic message.
“Congratulations to the app, congratulation to Pakistan, be weak, write in my heart the love of the moon star is alive” added the message.
Usman told JEE News that his success is huge for Pakistan. However, it is also necessary for him to maintain this MER in order to maintain a position at the Paris Olympics.
“We have to maintain this position in the next 12 months and for that we need reserve horses and participation in upcoming events,” Usman said.
“It is important that the authorities release the funds they had earlier agreed to provide to me, this will ensure my smooth journey ahead of the Paris Olympics,” he added.
Usman had also previously qualified for the Asian Games, but the EFP did not confirm his participation before the deadline.
Usman, a Pakistani-Australian, moved to France to better prepare for the Paris Olympics.
