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Portfolio Aliya Das Gupta |
| Taking the Field Determination and courage define these young women, who are passionate about changing the perception of sport in India Aliya Das Gupta, Equestrian by Mridu Khullar Having heard stories of horses and riding from her father for years, eight-year-old Aliya Das Gupta begged him to let her ride. He relented, and thus came love, and a career. "I got on the horse, and never got off," says Aliya. At 12, as a gift for being the National Child Gold medalist, Aliya's father brought her Sunshine, a chestnut-colored mare. When Sunshine died a couple of years later, Aliya almost quit. But her father, who had seen talent in his child, and dreamed of her bringing home India's first Olympic gold, helped her in every way he could-- enrolling her in riding school, getting her a dog (which helped her see the importance of animals in her life), and eventually, introducing her to Hannibal. "I've had Hannibal for six years. He has taken me to all the heights I've reached," says Aliya. Over the last 10 years, Aliya has been recognized as an upcoming rider in the national circuit by the Equestrian Federation of India, participating in national level and open events and competing with participants from the Indian Army and the Border Security Force. "When I started riding, no one took me seriously," she says. "People would say, isn't she too young to be here? Shouldn't she be off playing with ponies?" With accomplishments and attention came respect and reality checks. "In India, it's a niche sport with only about six riding schools. Professionally, it can't give sustenance," she says. So at 6.30 every morning, Aliya rides for an hour and a half, and then rushes off to her advertising job, which pays the bills. Now at 21, after her father's passing, Aliya is focusing more on short-term goals. While the Olympic dream still exists, it's taken a backseat. "For now, I'm content thinking about the Asian Games." She's also sure she doesn't want to let money influence her riding. "The joy of riding isn't in that stuff." |
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