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Dimapur, Feb. 23 (EMN): A felicitation programme was organised to honour the achievement of Kekhriesilie Rio, who won the World Jumping Championship 2020 (South Zone) in Category A. The programme was held at the Directorate of Youth Resources & Sports (YRS), Kohima on February 23.
Commissioner and Secretary, YRS, Alun Hansing while highlighting the achievements of Kekhriesilie Rio, said that he has been ranked No. 2 by the International Equestrian Federation and is the first Indian to achieve the highest rank till date, a DIPR update stated.
Advisor for YRS, Zale Neikha, while congratulating Kekhriesilie Rio for winning in various categories, encouraged him to work harder and to bring more laurels to the state and nation. He mentioned that there are only two Olympians in Nagaland so far - Dr. T Ao and Chekhrovolü, and encouraged the young achiever to aim to participate in the Olympics.
Advisor for Sericulture, Excise and Minority Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, who is also the president of the Equestrian Association Nagaland and father of Kekhriesilie Rio, hoped that his achievement would help in promotion of Equestrian activities in the state. He said that Nagas have potential in the field of sports but do not get the right platform and appreciation, and even at the national level also, young Naga athletes and sportspersons are not getting much support, and to this, he wished that in the future, there will be more sponsors for promotion.
Kekhriesilie Rio stated that being the lone equestrian in the state motivated him to strive to work harder. He attributed his success to God, his family, Equestrian Society Nagaland, the State Government and the Department of YRS. Mentioning that he will be participating in the Asian Games 2022 trail, which will be held in Germany, he looks forward to make a mark in the future as well. Kekhrisilie Rio has participated in the Junior National Equestrian Championship (Endurance) (40-45 Km) 2014-15, Dibrugarh and secured the third position in the Individual Category; Junior National Equestrian Championship (Show Jumping) 2018, Kolkata and secured the first place (National Champion - Individual); FEI World Show Jumping Challenge (Category A) 2020, Bengaluru, and with this feat, he was ranked No. 2 in the world and No. 1 in Asia and India; National Equestrian Championship (Senior), Delhi 2021 and secured the place position in Pussiance Jumping; and Asian Equestrian Federation Junior/Young Jumping Challenge 2019 and secured second in the Individual Category.