Obstacles to Praveen's Olympic Dream

By Tony Mariadass 

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 who was back in town for a few days to surprise his father for his 5oth birthday last weekend.

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 – 1^st 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