Mumbai, May 6 (IANS): Owing to the lockdown extension post May 3, Amateur Riders Club (ARC), a prestigious civilian horse riding and equestrian sports club in Mumbai, has announced cancellation of the Regional Equestrian League (REL) until normalcy returns.

Asian Games finalists Yashaan Khambatta and Kaevaan and Zahan Setalvad who were eager to battle it out for the national title on their home turf were left disappointed.

When asked about the cancellation, Yashaan Khambatta, who was the first Indian ever to have advanced into the final round of show jumping class at the Asian Games 2014, said: "I was looking forward to the REL to move onto the nationals for which I have been training daily at ARC. There have been very few events this year owing to the lockdown. Am hoping it ends soon and gives me enough time to prepare for the Asian Games 2022."

Asian Games 2018 finalist Kaevaan Setalvad said, "It was thrilling to win the nationals last year at Meerut and I was looking forward to the REL this year to win the title again. Waiting to go back on the grounds and start training again soon."

Commenting on the development, ARC President Shyam Mehta said: "It is unfortunate that the REL has to be cancelled. However, at present, our priority is to ensure everyone's safety. We have amongst the best talent in the country and we would like to give them every opportunity to do well and win national and international competitions."