CM distributes prizes at 32nd All-India Police Equestrian Meet(video)


Ahmedabad, 10 January 2014

Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that Gujarat is committed to encourage equestrian adventure, as well as protection and promotion of pedigree horses.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony of 32nd All India Police Equestrian Meet at the Police Stadium here, he said that mounted police formed a prized place in the state’s uniformed force, and policemen are encouraged to acquire skill in horse riding at each district headquarters.

Mr. Modi said that the mounted police have its own history of glamour and valour. Smart policemen riding graceful horses presented a picture of strength and discipline. He pointed out that Kathiawadi horses from Gujarat are world renowned for their speed and skill. The Saurashtra University is also carrying out research on improving the breed of Kathiawadi horses. Mewar king Maharana Pratap’s famous horse Chetak’s mother was also from Surendranagar district of the Kathiawad region.

In all, 645 jockeys with 302 horses representing 18 teams of Police and Reserved Forces from 18 states took part at this national 8-day national meet, held in Ahmedabad after a gap of 16 years.

The Chief Minister and the Minister of State for Home presented prizes and trophies to the winners of 15 events. Gujarat introduced a special equestrian trophy for the meet from this year in memory of late former Director-General of Police Amitabh Pathak, himself an ace equestrian.