JAIPUR: Picking up riding when she was in 7th Grade came naturally to Divyakriti Singh. The Rathore family has a long and strong connection with horses and Divyakriti has grown up watching her father and grandparents devote themselves to horse riding . The 23-year-old's father Vikram Singh Rathore says that Divyakriti's success at the ongoing 19th Asian Games being held in China, where she won a gold in a dressage team event, has not only made the family proud, but her achievement at the international stage has also fulfilled his dream of representing and winning a medal for the country.
Divyakirti was a part of the team that included Anush Agarwalla from Kolkata, Sudipti Hajela from Indore and Hriday Cheda from Pune.
"She became serious about the sport three years back and from the last two years she has been based in Germany and has not come home. Her day starts at 5am when she gets going with her training that includes looking after and bonding with the horses. Even in peak Europe winter, she never compromised on her schedule. And this is why she is there at the podium today," said Divyakriti's father, who is a retired Army officer.
According to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Global Dressage Rankings, the young rider currently holds the number one spot in Asia and ranks an impressive 14th globally.
"I am connected with polo and we have horses at home. Her grandparents from both mother's and father's side have also been connected to horses. Her great grandfather from mother's side Colonel Laxman Singh Mundota was the first officer commissioner in the 61st cavalry, the only horse cavalry regiment in the world. And, my grandfather Late Thakur Mohbat Singh Peeh was an authority on Indian Marwari horses. So, Divyakriti enjoys that legacy and lineage. Due to certain circumstances I could not make it to that level, but I am glad that my daughter has," said Rathore, who is now into the hospitality business and also owns the most successful polo team in Jaipur.
