Pakistani equestrian Usman Khan in motion in a three-star eventing competitors in Lignieres, France, October 1, 2025. Photograph through Reporter
KARACHI: Pakistani equestrian Usman Khan has booked a spot on the 2026 Asian Video games after securing the Minimal Eligibility Requirement (MER) at a world three-star eventing competitors in Lignieres, France.
Using Eden of the Veret, Khan completed sixth general in a aggressive subject of 59 riders, finishing the CCI3*-L occasion with a rating of 32.9 penalties.
He additionally emerged because the highest-ranked Asian rider on the competitors, the place France’s Camille Lejeune claimed the 2 spot.
The end result confirmed Khan’s qualification for the Asian Video games, the place all rivals are required to attain MER requirements in accordance with the Worldwide Federation for Equestrian Sports activities guidelines.
To qualify, athletes should file penalty scores beneath 45 in dressage, a transparent cross-country spherical inside 75 seconds of the optimum time, and fewer than 16 faults in present leaping.
Within the workforce standings, Pakistan positioned second behind hosts France within the “Battle of Nations,” outperforming regional rival India, whose rider Ashish Limaye completed ninth.
The competition noticed a dramatic shift in fortunes over three days. On Day 1, India led marginally after dressage. Day 2’s cross-country part noticed Khan put up one of many quickest clear rounds to push Pakistan forward.
On the ultimate day, Khan delivered a double-clear present leaping spherical, sealing each his MER and a convincing win over India.
“Alhamdulillah,” Khan mentioned in a message after the prize-giving ceremony. “This was a tournament where the world’s top riders and nations came together. To finish sixth overall and qualify for the Asian Games while placing Pakistan second in the team standings is a proud moment.”
Khan’s qualification marks one other step ahead for Pakistan in worldwide equestrian sports activities.
The rider is now set to signify Pakistan on the 2026 Asian Video games, the place eventing can be contested over three phases: dressage, cross-country and present leaping.
