Equestrian enthusiast Shlok Jhunjhunwala is currently participating in the ongoing Equestrian Premier League (EPL) held in the city, which is hosted by the Embassy International Riding School. He commends the EPL as one of the most impeccably organized events in the country, highlighting its seamless execution and the evident dedication of all involved parties. With a strong emphasis on prioritizing the athletes, Jhunjhunwala describes his experience in the competition as immensely enjoyable.
Having clinched victory in the 2021 edition of the tournament alongside two teammates, Jhunjhunwala’s prowess continues to shine in EPL 2023. He currently holds an impressive fourth place in the 110cm Show Jumping (Open) category and a commendable second place in pre-novice Junior Dressage (Junior and Open). The EPL 2023 commenced on June 23 and is slated to continue until November.
Jhunjhunwala’s journey in the realm of equestrianism began at the tender age of nine when he embarked on horse riding. His initial five years were dedicated to honing his skills without competing. However, in 2018, he ventured into the world of competitive equestrian events. Drawing a stark contrast between his love for competition and the joy of riding, he gradually immersed himself in various competitions, ultimately expanding his horizons beyond the Maharashtra circuit. It was in 2019 that he made his debut in the EPL, a significant milestone in his career.
Impressively, Jhunjhunwala’s achievements extend to winning the individual dressage freestyle and individual eventing categories at the Junior National Equestrian Championship held in Bhopal in 2022.
While acknowledging the strides made in the Indian equestrian circuit, Jhunjhunwala underscores the substantial gap between India and Europe in terms of expertise and resources. He candidly asserts that the level of competition in Europe far surpasses that of India. Nonetheless, he lauds the consistent improvement in the Indian equestrian scene, with new enthusiasts joining the sport and contributing to its growth. Jhunjhunwala also acknowledges the comparative advantages Europe holds, particularly in terms of horse availability, training facilities, and affordability.
With a determined aspiration to represent India on esteemed international platforms such as the Asian Games and Olympics, Jhunjhunwala articulates his ambitions. He aims to contribute to the elevation of the sport’s stature within the country through his own accomplishments. Drawing inspiration from accomplished figures like Fouaad Mirza and his trainer Ashish Limaye, who are carving their paths on the international stage, Jhunjhunwala recently marked his international debut at the Jardy CCI1* event in France. Fueled by this achievement, he confidently declares his trajectory toward realizing his dream of representing India with distinction.
