Chief minister devendra fadnavis

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar: The Amateur Riders’ Club's (ARC) equestrian rider Hriday Chheda has been honoured with the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Award for 2023–24. This prestigious accolade, the highest sports recognition bestowed by the Government of Maharashtra, was presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, and Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan at a grand ceremony held in Pune.

The prestigious recognition marks a significant moment in the history of equestrian sport, with Hriday Chheda winning the first honour. The Shiv Chhatrapati Award is given to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional talent and performance in sports, both at the national and international levels.

Hriday’s journey from early training at ARC to clinching gold in the team dressage event at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou exemplifies his commitment to the sport. Team India, with Hriday, ended India’s 41-year-long wait for a gold medal in equestrian dressage.