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Did Mohan ride Pegasus?
For the first time Sri Lanka was represented in an international show jumping Competition. Mohan de Lanerolle an old boy of S. Thomas’ College did not disappoint the president of the Equestrian Association Suranjith Premadasa who put forward a strong case to the Sports Minister to send him to take part in CSI (one start) International Show Jumping Competition.

From amongst many competitors from Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sweden and United Kingdom Mohan was placed 4th out of 26 participants in the CSI Jumping Individual Event held in Pune.

Results were 1st India, 2nd Hong Kong, 3rd New Zealand, 4th Sri Lanka, 5th Germany and 6th Hong Kong. The first six received awards at this competition.
This is a great achievement for Mohan as there are no jumping horses or trainers in Sri Lanka. This is nothing short of a miracle as there is no way he could have been placed 4th, without a single facility in Sri Lanka and also competing with competitors who practice all year round and some of them own horses and have the best trainers for coaching. He went to India 3 weeks early to practice before the event. Mohan a BHS (British Horse Society) qualified instructor was thankful to for the guidance he received from the retired Colonel who is the owner of the Horse Riding School in Pune. He also had a few months training in Australia a year back.

He is thankful to the ministry of Sports who gave this opportunity to prove that this sport has a promising future in this country with necessary support from the ministry.

Sunil Fernando (Manager) and Suranjith Premadasa (President) Sri Lanka Equestrian Association were present at this Competition.

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