Last weekend, I had the immense privilege of attending the World Endurance Championship 🏆 horse race held in the picturesque town of Monpazier, France. Representing the Nippon Group and my family, it was an honor to stand beside Team India, cheering on our remarkable contender, Nida Anjum.
Her dedication, composure, and strength on the track were nothing short of inspiring. Watching her gallop toward the finish line, I felt a surge of pride congratulations to Nida for delivering a phenomenal run and leaving a lasting mark on the global stage.
A Moment of Pride—And Reflection
As the event unfolded, another realization quietly struck me. Among the world’s top-performing horses, many were being trained by Indian horse trainers, particularly those from Rajasthan. This silent strength of Indian expertise, working behind the scenes in foreign stables, was both heartening and sobering.
Yes, it is a moment of national pride to see Indian talent shine globally—but it also underscores a pressing issue we often overlook: the skills drain. Just like the much-discussed brain drain, we are losing a vital part of our national fabric—our skilled professionals, our traditional knowledge keepers, our quietly brilliant achievers.
India Has What It Takes
What stood out to me during this event is not just India’s participation—it’s the potential we possess. Our trainers, our athletes, our heritage of equestrian excellence, especially in regions like Rajasthan, can compete with the very best in the world.
The key lies in channeling this talent back home—investing in infrastructure, supporting young athletes, and creating platforms where India can train its own champions, not just for foreign teams, but for India.
