Kohima, April 27: Nagaland’s celebrated equestrian athlete Kekhriesilie Rio has added another remarkable achievement to his growing list of accomplishments by winning the Grand Prix title at Haras de Liverdy in France, one of the prominent venues for equestrian competitions in Europe. Riding his horse Presley OL, Rio emerged victorious in the prestigious showjumping event, further strengthening his reputation as one of India’s finest equestrian riders on the international stage.
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| Nagaland’s equestrian rider Kekhriesilie Rio in action during a showjumping event in France, where he won the Grand Prix riding Presley OL. |
The achievement has been widely hailed as a proud moment for Nagaland and the entire Northeast region, as Rio continues to break barriers and set new benchmarks in a sport that has traditionally seen limited participation from the region.
Hailing from Touphema village in Kohima district, Kekhriesilie Rio is widely recognized as a pioneer in Indian equestrian sports. Over the years, he has become an inspiration for aspiring athletes from the Northeast by demonstrating that dedication, talent, and perseverance can lead to success at the highest levels of international competition.
Rio made history by becoming the first equestrian athlete from Northeast India to compete and excel in international showjumping events. His rise in the sport has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have brought recognition not only to his home state but also to Indian equestrian sports as a whole.
One of his most notable accomplishments came in 2020, when, at just 20 years of age, he was ranked World No. 2 in Category A by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the global governing body for equestrian sports. This achievement made him the first Indian equestrian rider to attain such a high international ranking, earning him widespread acclaim in sporting circles.
In addition to his international ranking, Rio has secured numerous titles throughout his career. He won the FEI World Jumping Challenge (South Zone) in Category A and has claimed several national championship titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful and consistent showjumping riders in India.
Rio’s journey in equestrian sports began at the age of eight, when he was first introduced to horse riding. What started as a childhood passion gradually developed into a professional career marked by discipline, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite the demands of competitive sport, he also pursued higher education at the Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts in Pune, successfully balancing academics with his sporting ambitions.
His latest victory in France is being viewed as another significant milestone in his career and a testament to his continued growth as an international competitor. The win also highlights the increasing presence of Indian riders in global equestrian competitions, a field traditionally dominated by athletes from Europe and North America.
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Looking ahead, Rio has consistently expressed his desire to represent India at major international sporting events, including the Asian Games and the Olympic Games. With each success, he continues to move closer to those goals while inspiring a new generation of athletes from Nagaland and the Northeast to pursue excellence in sports.
His triumph at Haras de Liverdy not only underscores his personal achievements but also serves as a source of pride for Nagaland and India, reaffirming the state's growing contribution to the international sporting arena.
