New Delhi: The past weeks have been intense for 19-year-old equestrian Niharika Singhania. With her horse First to Cash Out she earned Merit 4 and qualified for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The Equestrian Federation of India confirmed she will be the only woman in the national show jumping squad.
Her selection followed strong results abroad, including a gold medal at the Azelhof CSI Lier in Belgium in April 2025. Yet the path to Aichi-Nagoya involved major logistical hurdles. Indian riders must base horses in Europe because direct transport to Japan is restricted. They compete in qualifiers from November 2025 to June 2026.
Singhania described the process as unpredictable, with selection rules changing close to the deadline. Her main horse Iron Lady fell ill weeks before the cutoff. She then switched to First to Cash Out, a horse originally intended for later events, and succeeded in the trials.
She began riding at age 12 after a school camp in Pune. After four years of training in Mumbai she moved to Europe two years ago. She now keeps eight horses, six in Europe and two in Mumbai. Daily stable time helps her build trust with the animals.
While finishing her International Baccalaureate she balanced academics with stable work. Her parents supported the routine, allowing short riding sessions during exam periods. With qualification complete she is preparing for the Games.
