Four to compete in World Games

Four Malaysian riders will showcase their horse riding skills and endurance level at the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, from Aug 20-Sept 3.

The team of three men and a woman are all from Terengganu. They are Zulkefli Saari, Mohd Izry Razali, Shamsuddin Abdul Roni and Norlaily Buniyamin, who is a member of the team for the Doha Asian Games in December.

Coached by Paul James Brown, the Malaysian riders are down to compete in the 160km endurance competition that runs across three countries (Germany, Belgium and Holland).

Team manager Dr Balakrishna Polanaidoo said the route identified for this edition of the Games, held every four years, was rated by the FEI as the most difficult one.

“There are many small hills along the route and the current wet season and prevailing chilly weather conditions (12°C) there will make it all the more difficult,” said Dr Balakrishna after receiving helmets for the team, sponsored by Italian company Las Helmet here yesterday.

“However, our riders have been training very hard for the competition and have pledged to give their best.”

Malaysia are competing in the Games for the second time after the 2002 edition in Jerez, Spain.

The Games also have competitions in showjumping, dressage, eventing, vaulting, four-in-hand driving and reining. – Bernama