Arunachal Pradesh’s Wangtham Lamaty made history by winning the prestigious ‘Best Rider’ title at the National Equestrian Championship 2025, held in Jalandhar, Punjab. His remarkable performance in the tent pegging category showcased his exceptional equestrian skills and brought immense pride to his home state.
A Rising Star from Arunachal Pradesh
Lamaty hails from Kheti village in Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh, and is currently serving in the Assam Rifles. His journey from a small village to the national equestrian stage is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport.
Following his victory, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu took to social media to congratulate Lamaty, praising his hard work and talent. “What an incredible performance by Shri Wangtham Lamaty ji of @official_dgar at the National Equestrian Championship-2025! By clinching the ‘Best Rider’ title, you have not only made Kheti village in Tirap district proud but the entire Arunachal Pradesh,” the CM posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also extended his heartfelt congratulations to Lamaty, emphasizing the significance of his achievement. “His passion for tent pegging and relentless perseverance have brought this distinguished honor to our state, showcasing the exceptional sporting talents we have in Arunachal Pradesh. We’re so proud of you, Wangtham!” Mein stated.
National Equestrian Championship 2025: A Prestigious Event
The National Equestrian Championship 2025 (Tent Pegging) was organized by the Punjab Police under the aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). The championship brought together 15 elite teams from various organizations, including:
- State Police Forces
- Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs)
- Indian Army and Indian Navy
- Private equestrian clubs
With 125 horses and top riders from across the country, the event witnessed intense competition, displaying the highest standards of horsemanship. The championship concluded on February 23, marking yet another successful edition of the premier equestrian event in India.
The Art of Tent Pegging: A Test of Precision and Skill
Tent pegging is one of the most challenging equestrian sports, requiring exceptional coordination between the rider and the horse. It involves galloping at full speed while using a lance or sword to pick up small ground targets, known as pegs. The sport, which has deep historical roots, was traditionally used for cavalry training.
Wangtham Lamaty’s performance in tent pegging was particularly commendable, as he demonstrated incredible speed, accuracy, and control over his horse, outperforming competitors from well-established equestrian teams.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Growing Presence in Equestrian Sports
Lamaty’s achievement has put Arunachal Pradesh on the national equestrian map, inspiring young riders from the state to take up the sport. Although equestrian sports are traditionally dominated by riders from Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, his success highlights the potential of Northeast India in the field.
The support from the Arunachal Pradesh government and sports authorities is expected to boost interest in equestrian training and infrastructure development in the state. The recognition of Lamaty’s talent has also reinforced the role of Assam Rifles in nurturing sporting excellence among its personnel.
Future Prospects for Wangtham Lamaty
After securing the Best Rider title, Lamaty is now poised to compete at higher levels, including international equestrian championships. His performance at the National Equestrian Championship 2025 could serve as a stepping stone for participation in prestigious tournaments like:
- Asian Equestrian Championships
- Commonwealth Equestrian Games
- Olympic Equestrian Events
With continued training and support, Lamaty has the potential to represent India on the global stage.
A Moment of Pride for Arunachal Pradesh
Wangtham Lamaty’s triumph at the National Equestrian Championship 2025 is a milestone moment for Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast region. His dedication, perseverance, and skill have set a new benchmark for young athletes aspiring to excel in equestrian sports.
His victory also underscores the importance of recognizing emerging talents from the Northeast, ensuring that they receive the necessary training, facilities, and opportunities to shine at national and international levels.
As Arunachal Pradesh celebrates his success, the achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring equestrians and sports enthusiasts across India. With continued support from the government and sports authorities, the state could soon become a key contributor to India’s equestrian legacy.
