Not many athletes these days have the commitment
to their passion, dreams, goals, sacrifices and above all know what it takes in
one’s journey to the top.
Equestrian Praveen Mathavan Nair, is one athlete who has has
set his sights on becoming the first Malaysian equestrian Olympian at the 2020
Tokyo Games.
However,
the 20-year-old, despite showing total commitment and already having started his
journey to achieve his dream, he has not received the kind of support this 'so
called' sporting nation is expected to offer.
As
usual Praveen at a young age has been frustrated by sports politics,
bureaucracy, unsupportive officials and an association who seem to have their
own agenda.
His latest frustration is that he has not been recommended by the Equestrian
Association of Malaysia (EAM) for selection to the Olympic Council of Malaysia
(OCM), for the Jakarta/Palembang Asian Games in August.
At the last Asian Games in Incheon three years ago, he entered the
qualifying rounds and qualified, only to be told he was ineligible because he
was underage — as the competition rules required competitors to be at least
18-years-old.
“I was disappointed. I had hoped to make my Asiad debut in Jakarta
this year, but there is obstacles again,” said Praveen
Praveen was the youngest Malaysian SEA Games gold medallist in the
dressage event at the 2013 Games in Myanmar when he was only 15.
Despite showing early talent, he was never really nurtured by the
sports association, but thanks to his father Mathavan, who is better known as
Matt, Praveen has been able to enjoy and hone his equestrian skills.
Yes, Praveen is a lucky lad but his father instilled him the
values of sacrifice, humbleness and working hard as his father had to undergo
hardship and work hard.
Praveen’s father graduated in biochemistry and went on to set up a
company, Digital Autopsy, that is registered in England and which has made
inroads in Malaysia too.
 |
| Praveen surprised his father last weekend for hiss 50th birthday |
Matts’ parents were rubber tappers in Ulu Tiram
(Johor) estate.
Obstacles are nothing new to Praveen, for last year’s Sea Games in
Kuala Lumpur, he was not even recommended by the Equestrian Association of
Malaysia (EAM).
After winning gold in his debut SEA Games, he had to skip the 2015
Singapore Games because his horse was injured.
Thus he wanted so much to compete last year, even more so since it
was at home.
Only the intervention of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM),
who had received an appeal from Praveen to be considered for the KL Games, that
EAM decided to include him and he went to assist to win the team gold.
Praveen
had also qualified for the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.
Praveen who was pursuing a degree in Economics and Business at
Maastricht University in Holland, had moved to the Mecca of equestrian sport
which is Limburg (in the province of Aachen, Holland) last year to pursue his
goal of combining excellence in sport with academic distinction.
Currently
he has moved to England to train under John Whitaker, a Legendary British
Equestrian Athlete.
Besides training, he competes in professional circuit among the top
tier international riders in Europe.
Yesterday he was competing in
the prestigious Equerry Bolesworth International Horse Show (13-17 June) and will
follow up to compete in the The Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (21-24
June).
“All I am asking to be given a
fair chance to realise my dream. I have sent in my proposals to EAM and even to
the Podium Programme, but have not
got any feedback,” said a disappointed Praveen.
“We are even prepared to pay one
for one for the total cost towards my run-up to the Olympics.
“I am the only Malaysian
training fulltime overseas and I am bent on doing well to make Malaysia proud.
“I know the cost is high for
this sport, but assistance to get sponsors will be an option.
“But nothing is forthcoming from
the governors of the sports.
“I seriously hope that my plight
is given some thought as I am serious and strongly believe that I have in me
what it takes to excel and do well.
"I believe that I have a real chance in getting a medal in the Asian Games and being the first Malaysian to qualify for equestrian in the Olympics (I am already the only Malaysian to qualify and compete in the Youth Olympics).
"Advantages I have against other Malaysians:
· Based in the UK where equestrian sport is highly competitive with easy access to European Competitions as well, as we truck the horses there twice a month anyway
· Constantly competing in high level national and international competitions. Therefore, I know the circuit well and don’t have to go out of the way to do these qualifications.
· Based with 3-time Olympic Medallist and showjumping legend John Whitaker. John is also 5 time World Championship Medallist and 13 time European Championship Medallist and is probably the most respected showjumper of all time.
· John might be on the long list for 2020 Olympics as well for Great Britain
· Equestrian sport is highly about the management and planning leading up to our goals and I am at an advantage as John’s team and support will be crucial for qualifying for such world renowned events. From vets, to chiropractors, farriers, grooms, transport and admin – being based with John allows me access to the best possible team.
· I am also competing in major competitions that most other riders will not be invited to which gives me more experience in high level competitions."
However, Praveen said he will
continue to chase his dream to qualify for the 2020 Olympics and intend to
compete in the qualifiers starting next year.
“I sincerely hope EAM will support me
and can get assistance," pleaded Praveen.
Will Praveen get to realise his dream or will be another disillusioned
athlete whose talent was not nurtured!
Below are Contents of Proposal of Praveen submitted to EAM and Podium Programme for assistance:
· Background
· Past achievements + results
· Targets to be achieved
· Milestones to be achieved
· Funding required for each year up to 2020 Olympics
· Total funding request
Alongside with this proposal, I have also sent a supplementing cover letter and another letter for me to be nominated for the podium programme as based on our understanding, I have far surpassed the criteria required in order to be part of the podium programme.
u Started riding at the age of 10
u Representing Malaysia since the age of 13.
Current age 20 years.
u Competed in junior and young rider classes
and also in the open senior international categories with numerous results.
Funding Request
I have been always been extremely committed
to his passion and have achieved great results through his journey to the top.
I am determined to keep rising to the top
and requesting for the support and funding.
I am requesting a 3 step funding as below
in order to achieve the milestones stated and do a run up to the 2018 Asian
Games and the 2020 Olympic Games.
|
Year
|
Amount (MYR)
|
|
2018
|
1,663,000
|
|
2019
|
363,000
|
|
2020
|
363,000
|
Currently rides in the professional circuit in Europe
amongst the world’s best and most elite athletes
Mentorship: Legendary John Whitaker MBE
u John Whitaker, a Legendary British
Equestrian Athlete.
u Multiple Olympian, World and European
Champion.
u Ranked World No.1 with Horse Argento
u Mentoring and guiding Praveen to train and
compete among the worlds best.
u Currently based in Huddersfield, UK
Major Achievements
u 2013 FEI World Jumping Challenge Category
A - 1st placing in Zone 9
u 2012 FEI Dressage Challenge; Preliminary –
1st placing on Drumminmore (Highest Score Zone 8)
u 2012 Mitavite 6 bar competition; 160 cm –
1st placing on Clearcut
u 2011 CSIJ Korea; 110 cm on borrowed horse
individuals – 2nd placing
u 2011 SEA Young Riders Series, Malaysia –
Overall 2nd placing on Drumminmore
u 2017 SEA Games KL; Team Showjumping – 1st place
on Clearcut
u 2016 CSI* Grand Prix of Den Gouberg,
Netherlands – 6th placing on Clearcut
u 2014 CSI** KRA Cup Individuals Borrowed
Horse, Seoul, South Korea- 1st placing
u 2014 Youth Olympic Games, Nanjing
u 2013 SEA Games Myanmar; Individual
Dressage- 1st placing
Overall Milestones
u Scouting and purchasing of top level Grand
Prix horse (jumping 160cm or jumping 145cm+ with potential to jump 160cm
classes)
u Training for international competitions
(CSI) – Ongoing
u Start competing at CSI** Grand Prix’s
u Start getting invitations to compete at
CSI***- CSI***** levels
u Gain Longines World Ranking by doing these
(at the moment, no Malaysian has a world ranking)
u Qualify into 2018 Asian Games by
individual and/or team
u Compete in 2018 Asian Games (target a
medal)
u Qualify into 2019 SEA Games by team and
individual
u Compete in 2019 SEA Games (target gold –
Praveen will have 2 horses (2017 SEA Games horse and new horse) to choose from
so will be able to pick horse in best form to compete)
u Do qualifiers for 2020 Olympic Games in
2019 once list of qualifiers are released
u Qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games
u Compete in 2020 Olympic Games as first
Malaysian equestrian athlete
Funding Required for 2018
Milestones
|
Items
|
Amount (MYR)
|
|
Purchase of Grand Prix Horse
|
1,300,000
|
|
Training & Livery
|
132,000
|
|
Transportation
|
55,000
|
|
Competition
|
110,000
|
|
Living and Maintenance
|
66,000
|
|
Total Funding
|
1,663,000
|
Funding Required for 2019
Milestones
|
Items
|
Amount (MYR)
|
|
Training (Ongoing)
|
132,000
|
|
Transportation
|
55,000
|
|
Competition
|
110,000
|
|
Living and Maintenance
|
66,000
|
|
Start competing at CSI**
|
Cost unknown
|
|
Invitations and competitions at
CSI***-CSI*****
|
Cost unknown
|
|
Qualify and compete at 2018 Asian Games
with medal target
|
Cost unknown
|
|
Total Funding
|
363,000
|
Funding Required for 2020
Milestones
|
Items
|
Amount (MYR)
|
|
Training (Ongoing)
|
132,000
|
|
Transportation
|
55,000
|
|
Competition
|
110,000
|
|
Living and Maintenance
|
66,000
|
|
Qualify and compete at 2019 SEA Games
with gold medal target
|
Cost unknown
|
|
Start qualifications for 2020 Olympics
|
Cost unknown
|
|
Total Funding
|
363,000
|
