In 2023, she became the first Indian woman in equestrian to receive the Arjuna Award. This honor recognizes outstanding achievement in a sport where men and women compete as equals. Her success marks a significant moment for Indian athletics.
Her journey to the podium culminated at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. There, she won a gold medal in the team dressage event. This victory ended a 41-year medal drought for India in equestrian competition at the Games.
Born on October 22, 1999, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, her story is rooted in a region known for its royal equestrian traditions. This background provided a natural foundation for her passion.
By early 2023, her skill placed her 14th in the world and number one in Asia for dressage. These rankings confirmed her position among the global elite in this demanding sport.
Beyond the arena, her influence grows. She was named the Times of India Sports Awards Equestrian Rider of the Year. She also serves as an Election Icon for Rajasthan.
Singh Rathore represents a new generation excelling in equestrian sports. This discipline requires immense dedication, financial commitment, and a profound partnership with the horse. Her story is one of focus, talent, and breaking new ground.
A Glimpse into Divyakriti Singh’s Journey
For the equestrian star, riding started as a way to bridge the distance from home while attending boarding school in Ajmer. What began as comfort for a homesick student evolved into serious athletic commitment.
Early Life and Family Roots
Divyakriti Singh Rathore grew up surrounded by horses at her family’s 450-year-old Mundota Palace. Her father Vikram Singh Rathore maintained polo grounds where his team competed. The family stable housed around 80 horses.
At Mayo College Girls School, riding became part of her routine. Competitions offered precious time with her parents. This practical beginning shaped her future path.
Her first significant victory came at the Delhi Horse Show. Riding a horse named Chetak, she won her initial dressage medal. The achievement marked a turning point in her story.
International Training and Competitive Beginnings
After missing qualification for the 2018 Asian Games, Singh Rathore moved to Denmark in 2020. There she acquired Storm, her first Danish Warmblood horse. The setback taught resilience.
For the past two years, she has trained at Hof Kasselmann in Germany. This world-leading dressage school demands full dedication. Every day involves early mornings and late evenings with horses.
The athlete hasn’t returned home during this period. Her life revolves entirely around refining technique and building partnerships with horses. This sacrifice reflects the commitment required at elite levels.
Milestones, Medals, and Major Achievements
The 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou marked a historic turning point for Indian equestrian sports. The dressage team secured a gold medal, ending a 41-year drought. This victory represented more than just a medal.
It was the first time an Indian woman stood atop the podium in this discipline. The moment the national anthem played was a breakthrough for the entire sport.
Asian Games Gold and Global Rankings
This team success was no isolated feat. Early 2023 brought official recognition from the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Divyakriti Singh achieved a world ranking of 14.
She also held the number one spot in Asia. These positions confirmed her sustained excellence on the global stage.
Her junior career laid a strong foundation. Wins at the Junior National Polo Championship in 2016 and 2017 showed early versatility. She collected multiple medals in junior dressage competitions across India.
The international CDI competition in Riyadh was another highlight. She earned an individual silver and two individual bronze medals. Her scores, including a 72.575 in Freestyle, demonstrated world-class skill.
Arjuna Award and Prestigious Honors
In 2023, she became the first Indian woman equestrian to receive the Arjuna Award. President Droupadi Murmu conferred this high honor for outstanding performance in sports.
A cascade of other recognitions followed that year.
| Award | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Times of India Sports Awards Equestrian Rider of the Year | 2023 | National recognition in her sport |
| India Today Woman Summit Award | 2023 | Celebrating women’s achievement |
| Sawai Jaipur Awards – Young Achiever in Sport | 2023 | Local honor for sporting excellence |
| Marwar Ratna | 2024 | Prestigious regional award |
| Rajasthan Gaurav | 2024 | State-level honor |
These victories brought new responsibility. They fueled a commitment to represent Indian equestrian sports with continued dedication.
Behind the Saddle: Bond Between Horse and Rider
At the heart of every equestrian victory lies an invisible thread of trust between two athletes. This sport stands alone as the only Olympic discipline where men and women compete equally alongside a living partner.
The Essence of Dressage and Equestrian Sports
Dressage transforms partnership into performance art. Often called ‘ballet with a horse,’ it demands perfect synchronization between rider and animal.
The horse executes complex movements set to music. Both must communicate as one unified team rather than master and servant.
Building a Trusting Relationship with Horses
Trust forms through daily care and attention. Riders wake early every morning to clean stalls, groom, and walk their horses.
This constant responsibility builds a deep bond. Horses sense human emotions and respond to confidence or nervousness.
The relationship speaks in silence. A simple neck scratch or synchronized breath can calm a nervous partner before competition.
Regardless of results, horses receive treats and care. This consistent love ensures they’ll fight for their rider until the very end.
Inspiring the Future Through Equestrian Excellence
The email arrived in Jaipur, a quiet moment of recognition after years of sacrifice abroad. For Divyakriti Singh Rathore, the Arjuna Award notification came during her first visit home in two years. This honor felt like a breakthrough for Indian equestrian sports, not just a personal achievement.
Her life in Germany remains focused entirely on horses. She lives simply in an apartment near the stables, wearing riding gear seven days a week. The champion handles all horse care alone, from mucking stalls to training sessions.
Looking ahead, she targets the 2026 Olympics and upcoming competitions in Saudi Arabia. Her message to young women emphasizes trust and partnership with horses. She believes choosing less traveled paths requires daily dedication but leads to historic moments.
Beyond sport, she serves as an Election Icon for Rajasthan, inspiring civic participation. The extensive media coverage of her Asian Games gold introduced dressage to new audiences across India. Her story continues to open doors for future equestrian talent.
