Biography

Fouaad Mirza is an Indian equestrian who is known as the first Indian equestrian to win a medal at an individual equestrian event at the Asian Games 2018 since 1982. Fouaad is the third Indian equestrian to qualify for the Olympics.Fouaad Mirza was born in a family of equestrians. Fouaad belongs to the 7th generation of Aga Ali Askar, the Persian horse trader who moved to Indian in 1824. Fouaads father explained their family tree and their connection with horses as Well there was an Aga Ali Askar who came from Iran in 1824 and brought horses with him. We have records to show that the family was involved with horses and racing for many years before it arrived here. I am of sixth generation in the lineage. Since Ali Asker arrived, our association with horses has been unbroken. At one time, he had nearly 700 horses stabled behind his house near Fathima bakery. Behind that (Johnson Market), the area is called Arab Lanes because all the Arabian horses were stabled there. Fouaad Mirzas chlildhood picture.Fouaads father, Dr. Hasneyn Mirza, is an Equestrian veterinarian, and his brother, Aly Asker Mirza, is a professionally trained equestrian.Fouaad first sat on a horse when he was just 6 months old. He was never frightened of the horse. Fouaad explains his childhood connection with the animal as, My father is a vet who specialises in horses and thats how I was pretty much introduced to the sport. I grew up around animals and I was very fond of being outdoors. I never had a Gameboy or a Playstation. I was a kid who was outside, playing with the dogs, horses, cats..Mirza started practicing horse riding at the age of 5, he used to ride horses after coming back from school. As he grew up, the competitive streak in him developed and he decided to practice sport professionally. He participated in several equestrian events during his school days, including National Equestrian Championship, Junior National Equestrian Championship, and many more. Fouaad Mirza being honored at the Junior National Equestrian Chanpionship 2014.Fouaad Mirzas marked his international debut at the 2014 Jakarta Asian Games, where he participated in both Individual eventing and team eventing but could not earn any medal.Fouaad Mirza made the headlines in 2018 when he won 2 medals at the Asian Games, first in the Individual event and second in the team event along with Rakesh Kumar, Ashish Malik, and Jitender Singh. Fouaad rode on his favourite Seigneur Medicott for the Asian Games.Fouaad Mirza earned his first international gold by winning in CIC2 held in Netherland. In the same year, he also won a won Silver medal in CCI1 held in Germany.Mirza bagged his second international gold medal at CCI3*-2 event held at Strzegom in Poland.Fouaad Mirza is a recipient of the prestigious Arjuna Award. In 2019, Fouaad was honored with the Arjuna Award for his excellence in Equestrian and for making India proud. Fouaad Mirza receiving the Arjuna Award from the President of India.