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Oiwa sets sights on Olympics
Japan's gold medal winning eventer, Yoshiaki Oiwa, hopes that his Asian Games triumph will set him up for a successful assault on the Olympics next year.
- By Sarah Tregoning, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:35 May 3, 2009
- UAE's Shaikha Latifa Bint Ahmad Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum during the team jumping competition.
- Image Credit: Karl Jeffs/Gulf News
Doha: Japan's gold medal winning eventer, Yoshiaki Oiwa, hopes that his Asian Games triumph will set him up for a successful assault on the Olympics next year.
And the UAE's very creditable first foray into the sport showed that more experience and training is all they need for future success.
"I'm very happy," he said, brandishing his individual gold and team silver medals.
"Its good preparation for the Olympics in China and for me, getting there and doing well is my ambition over the next year."
The rider, who trains in England, was impressive all the way through the three-day-long competition. Meanwhile Qatar's Abdullah Ali Al Ejail was the surprise package of the event, finishing just over two points behind the 30-year-old Japanese. Oiwa's mount, Khanjer Black, trailed a foot to bring a fence down in the final show jumping phase held yesterday while Al Ejail rode an effortless clear, but even that was not enough to steal gold.
Individual bronze went to Malaysia's Malek Jeremiah Husref.
"Qatar has done very well," said Oiwa. "I hope they continue eventing in this country and that more and more people come to the sport."
UAE riders shine
Qatar may have won the team gold, but with even less experience, the UAE's young riders and horses also proved that they were hopes for the future.
Rashid Al Hosani and Saif Omer Thabet finished in 11th and 12th place, respectively, while the team clinched fifth, a fine result for boys that have been training together for just three months.
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