Olympics-bound Qabil thrilled, but time’s not on his side

Last-minute invite: Qabil Ambak is set to become the first Malaysian to compete in the equestrian event at the Olympics.

PETALING JAYA: Qabil Ambak is about to trot off to the Tokyo Olympics as the first Malaysian to compete in the equestrian event.

Qabil got the invite from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to participate in the Olympics dressage competition, achieving a milestone for Malaysia in the sport.

Qabil was promoted to the invitation list after one of the two Asian riders who qualified earlier withdrew.

Qabil, who started representing the country when he was only 15, finished third in the Asia-Oceania rankings when the qualification campaign for dressage ended two years ago.

But the euphoria aside, it’s not going to be easy for the 41-year-old multiple Asian Games medallist to get ready for the Olympics which is just one-and-a-half months away.

“I was just informed by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) this morning that I have qualified on merit for the Olympic dressage competition.

“I was the reserve rider but one of the riders has informed that he can’t go.

“It’s a dream come true for me to qualify as I have been trying a few times to get in.

“I am grateful to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“But I admit it’s going to be a stressful challenge for me to go to the Olympics on a short notice.

“It all depends also on whether I meet the eligiblity requirement, which is to ride in a competition this year.

“The world body FEI are giving us until June 21 to meet the requirement as I’ve not rode for sometime because of the Covid-19 situation.

“It will be a big challenge in the current Covid-19 situation we are in to go outside the country for a competition, getting the papers processed and to meet the entry requirement imposed by other countries, ” said Qabil, who has requested for the OCM to help facilitate his preparations for the Olympics.

“I hope OCM can help to request FEI to allow me a bit more time to meet the eligibility conditions or maybe allow me to go for the assessment online.”