Chennai’s Kevin Gabriel and Soulmate Win Silver at Junior National Championships 2024, Help Team Secure Historic Gold

Chennai, January 4, 2025: The young riders from Chennai Equitation Centre have returned from the Junior National Championships 2024 in New Delhi with a historic 18 medals, setting an all-time record for the team. This victory marks a landmark achievement for the Chennai-based equestrian academy, which has consistently placed at the top in Dressage competitions.In the Children 2 (10-12 years) category, Kevin Gabriel, riding his horse Soulmate (competition name: Sechs Richtige), played a key role in securing the team’s gold in Children- 2 category. Kevin also earned an individual silver medal, while teammate Eshan Sundaram claimed Gold with his black mare, Fame of Viberty. The team also featured Punav Suresh on Grandduke and Hasini B from Coimbatore. Miraya Dhadabhoy with her horse Knock-out claimed the team gold alongside Sankara Rathore with FT in the Junior category.
 
“In horse-riding the partnership between horse and rider is essential to perform at the top. It is a great sport for children and juniors to make them mentally and physically strong as well as build a trusted relationship with their 500 kg sport-partner: the horse. The kind of experience and life-lessons they learn with us stay with them for life and benefit them well beyond their active riding career." says Isabelle Futnani.
Kevin Gabriel, who began riding at the age of 10, has already established an impressive track record. In 2022, he won his first national competition and was honored with the Best Youngest Rider award. Under the mentorship of Isabelle at the Chennai Equitation Centre, Kevin earned an individual Silver medal and contributed to the team’s historic Gold at the Junior National Championships. To date, Kevin has won 21 medals and 3 trophies and remains committed to reaching new milestones in his equestrian career.Chennai Equitation Centre, known for its world-class training facilities and experienced instructors, has been a nurturing ground for equestrian talent in India. Over the years, it has consistently produced top riders who have represented the country at both national and international competitions.
 
Results from Junior National Championships New Delhi 2024:
Age Group: Children 2
Dressage Event:
Team Gold - Hasini B - FT
Team Gold - Punav Suresh - Grandduke
Team Gold - Kevin Gabriel- Soulmate
Team Gold - Eshan Sundaram - Fame
 
Children 2
Individual Dressage Event:
Gold - Eshan Sundaram - Fame
Silver - Kevin Gabriel – Soulmate
 
 
Age Group: Children 1
Dressage Event:
Team Gold - Shubh Chowdhari - FT
Team Gold - Pranav Deepak- Fame
Team Gold - Ananya Sajith Haridas- Knock-out
Team Gold - Inaraa Milan Mehta - Soulmate
 
Children 1
Individual Dressage Event:
Gold - Shubh Chowdhari - FT
Silver - Pranav Deepak- Fame
 
Age Group: Juniors
Dressage Event:
Team Gold - Miraya Dadhabhoy- Knock-out
Team Gold - Sanskar Rathore - FT
 
Junior
Individual Dressage Event:
Silver - Sanskar Rathore - FT
 
Age Group: Young Rider
Team Dressage Event
Team Gold - Jaiveer Varma - Soulmate
 
Team Bronze - Samanna Everaa - Knock-out
 
Young Rider
Individual Dressage Event
Silver - Jaiveer Verma – Soulmate