Anush Agarwalla, the boy from Ballygunge, made Kolkata proud once more as he received the prestigious Arjuna Award from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9.
The 24-year-old equestrian made history at the Asian Games 2023, as he won a bronze, India’s first in the individual Equestrian Dressage event, after winning a gold medal in the team Equestrian Dressage. It marked India’s first gold in the sport in 41 years.
The Kolkatan added another feather to his cap when he was conferred the second-highest sports award of India on Tuesday.
Anush won two medals at last year’s Asian Games
Speaking to My Kolkata, Anush said, “It’s an honour to be conferred the Arjuna Award. It’s an important milestone in the last year and in my sporting journey so far. It has always been a dream for me to represent our country and win medals at important events, and I’m glad I could win two medals at the Asian Games. I’m very happy that my achievements have been acknowledged through a national sporting award. I look forward to working hard and fulfilling my dream of Olympic glory.”
An alumnus of La Martiniere for Boys, Anush began his equestrian journey on the tracks of the Tollygunge Club when he was eight, before moving to Delhi, and then to Germany at the age of 17 to train with Olympian Hubertus Schmidt.
Anush with mother Priti Agarwalla
Priti Agarwalla, the proud mother of the equestrian, said, “Anush has proved that it’s only hard work and determination that can help one succeed. The spirit to never give up yields results! I’m so proud of my son and this moment is to be cherished for generations to come.”
Along with Anush, table tennis player Ayhika Mukherjee from Naihati, also received the award, making the sporting fraternity of Bengal even prouder.