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Now 29 years of age. The Equestrian
Federation of Pakistan sees him as an ambassador of the sport.
Current Status:
Retired
"In support of Adelaide his
scientific research won the notable award for spatial research and
development 2004."
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Usman is no
ordinary man. He is an award winning spatial scientist and
documentary filmmaker, athlete, and mountaineer. But above all, Usman is a natural horseman. An gifted polo
player, he has now turned his attention to the tough and challenging world
of Equestrian Eventing. Usman is a strong believer in the power of the will.
He lives not only for today, but for tomorrow too. His favourite quote:
“Reality is for those who have no imagination”.
This is the story of a relative
unknown man and his bid to compete at Olympics in Equestrian Eventing
category.
He is
Pakistan’s only eventer at an international level. His training regime led to
injuries through the 4 years he rode
for Pakistan. He was confined to crunches in 2007 and spent the
2008 in rehab. Soon
after in 2009, he retired from the sport at the age of 28 yrs.
DIVERSITY
At the age of 16, Usman was
sponsored by Coca-Cola International to participate in the Quest Youth
International expedition. Also, as an athlete, Usman won three gold, two
silvers and a bronze medal at local competitions and qualified for the
National Athletics Championship. At just 17 he attended and co-led four
international conservation expeditions. At 19 he made his first
documentary film. His second film was about the Indus Dolphin Rafting
expedition, and was funded by UNDP and AFP. At 27 he became the Ambassador
of Pakistan for Bowral Polo Club (NSW Australia).
At 22, Usman was awarded the Blue
Code (the highest sporting award from an Australian university) when he won
a gold medal in the Australian University National Games. At the age of 25
years, Usman signed the biggest financial contract with Pakistan Sports
Trust (PST). The proceeds going towards Pakistan Roadmap to Olympics and
Beyond. He has acted for TV programs that have been aired on Indus Vision. Usman derives
his happiness from his goals and his purpose of life. He believes in himself
and, above all, the might of Allah.
ACADEMIC CAREER
He obtained his Bachelor of
Geographical Information System (GIS) from the University of South Australia
(UniSA) in 2004. His intellectual determination was recognised when he
received the Chancellor’s Letter of Commendation (2003-04), the Dean’s Merit
Award (2003-04) and was granted Distinguished Membership of the Golden Key
International Honour Society (UniSA Chapter). In 2005 Usman was granted a
full academic scholarship by the Centre of GIS at Monash University, Masters
Research Degree in Geography and Environmental Sciences. In 2005, Usman won the South Australia Award for Spatial
Industry Research & Development (R&D). His spatial research has also seen him
nominated for Australia's Fresh Innovators Award.
PROFESSIONAL
CAREER
Usman has previously worked in
spatial industry with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Pakistan, the United
Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Vienna, Austria, as a consultant
to URS Corporation Australia, Satellite Imagery Analyst with UniSA and GIS
researcher with Monash University. In 2005 he became the youngest serving
executive director for Vanasee Media Corporation, Australia. In 2007
worked as a GIS Divisional Coordinator / Business Analyst with Department of
Water (WA) in Perth. In 2007-2008 as a Business Analyst for Adecco Group of
Australia (Ajilon) with Department of Lands (NSW) and Environment Protection
Authority (EPA). In 2008-2009 Senior Business Analyst with Department of
Human Services (DHS) and DWS Australia. In 2009-2010 he worked within
Institutional & Corporate banking for a leading bank in Australia (ANZ).
SPORTING VISION
Usman is on target to achieve his
ambition to be the first Pakistani to represent his country of birth in
Eventing at an Olympic level. He is currently living and training in
Australia to qualify for the prestigious title. Pakistan competing in the
exciting and gruelling sport of Equestrian Eventing will grasp the attention
of sports lovers throughout the country. The world will be watching.
Horsemen and adventurers such as Usman Khan have lifted the profile of this
thrilling sport in Pakistan and abroad, and encourage others to compete in
this worldwide sport of renown. Pakistan’s history abounds with legends of
those who are celebrated for their skills in equestrian sports. |
