Pakistan’s horse Eden du Veret, better known as Mirage, has safely landed in Japan ahead of the country’s first-ever appearance in eventing at the 2026 Asian Games. Rider Usman Khan confirmed the horse’s arrival in Tokyo as the team prepares for competition at the JRA Equestrian Park.
Pakistan will make history by competing in the Olympic discipline of eventing. Usman Khan and Mirage will take part in both the individual and team events scheduled from September 20 to 23. The pair earned their place after Usman met the required Minimum Eligibility Requirement at a three-star eventing competition in Lignières, France, last year.
While the horse reached Japan without issue, some of the team’s essential equipment has been delayed. Transport agents reported that extra cargo weighing around 4,900 kilogrammes beyond the original bookings arrived in Liege. Payload limits meant the full load could not travel on the same flight. The equipment was later combined into one large consignment, making it hard to separate items belonging to different national teams.
Agents arranged alternative flights. Nineteen pieces travelled on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Narita on September 16, with another 34 pieces scheduled for the same route on September 17. Customs clearance will follow before the items move to the equestrian venue. Usman has asked for urgent clarification on whether Pakistan’s gear is included, noting that the team had already reduced its baggage allowance and removed feed and other items to stay within limits. Timely arrival is vital so the pair can train properly before the competition begins.
Mirage completed a strict 70-day quarantine process, including 60 days in France and 10 days in Germany, with all health tests returning negative results. Eventing is one of the toughest equestrian sports, combining dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The Asian Games schedule starts with the veterinary inspection on September 20, followed by dressage on the 21st, cross-country on the 22nd and show jumping on the 23rd.
This marks a proud and challenging milestone for Pakistani equestrian sport as Mirage and Usman Khan prepare to compete on the international stage.
