Niharika eyes historic jump at Asian Games 2026!

Niharika Singhania on her horse First to Cash Out

Niharika Singhania, 20, is carving out a name for herself in an industry that's very different from the one her father, Raymond Group chairman Gautam Singhania, has made a name for himself in.

Niharika, the only woman in India's four-person show jumping team for the Asian Games at Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (Sep 19 to Oct 4), believes Team India can make history at the quadrennial continental competition.

"Winning a medal would mean absolutely everything to me, and it's something we are actively striving to do. It's a very ambitious goal, but achieving it would mean the first ever show jumping medal India has ever won at the Asian Games. That historical significance makes the pursuit all the more special," Niharika, who rides the horse First to Cash Out, told mid-day.

So, does being the daughter of a famous businessman add to the pressure?

"I've never been someone who loves the spotlight. When I was younger, my parents encouraged me to try everything. Ironically, show jumping was the only pursuit they weren't keen about because of how dangerous it can be [laughs].

But pressure is a privilege.

When I was starting out in India, you rarely saw women participating at the highest level of the sport. I hope I can be a source of belief and inspiration for younger girls. This only motivates me to work harder," said Niharika, who began her association with horses at the age of 12, during a trip to the Japalouppe Equestrian Centre in Pune.