Fouaad Mirza had officially qualified for the Tokyo Olympics in January, ending India’s two decade-long wait for an Olympic berth in equestrianism.

The 28-year-old is currently training in Germany where, like everywhere else in the world, the coronavirus pandemic has thrown things into disarray. So how is Fouaad dealing with it all?

Speaking to The Telegraph from Ganderkesee, where he is now based, Fouaad said: “The place I call my home now is but a small town. But the scene here is the same as across the globe — panic buying, deserted roads, jittery people in self-isolation.

“But this nervousness is in everyone’s interest. People are taking initiative collectively to stem the spread of the disease. And, as we have seen in Italy, strict measures like a lockdown do work.

“Germany is quite close behind Spain in the number of positive cases and healthier people like us have a responsibility towards the society of which the first and foremost is to make sure that we, in no way, pass on the disease to others.

“No, I am not panicking,” continues Fouaad. “Not yet, anyway but I too am stocking up on my food, enough to last me a couple of weeks. Can’t take chances, can I?” he asks, rhetorically.

“But that apart, I am carrying on with my training as usual. I have to keep myself and my horses fit.”

Is the possibility of the Olympics being deferred affecting his concentration at training?

“Not it isn’t, not at all. Either way, I have no reason to complain. I am ready, training-wise and mentally. Two of my horses — Fernhill Facetime and Seigneur Medicott are ready for action, too. So if the Games are on schedule, I’m happy.

“A postponement too would please me because I now have this super-talented horse, Dajara 4, who will be 8 this year. She has the potential to finish on the podium and a little extra time to get her Olympic-ready would definitely not hurt.”

Trying to find positives in these times of despair makes Fouaad a very optimistic person, doesn’t it?

“In my sport, it doesn’t help to be negative. It’s a sport which is based on a partnership between man and horse and things with horses don’t always go the way you want them to. Thus, if you have a negative attitude, you won’t last long.”

Is the pandemic disturbing his normal practice rhythm?

“In a strange way, the virus has made my life more relaxed. My physiotherapy sessions are off as also my sessions at the gym. My physiotherapist has given me instructions to carry out the sessions at home. Like a naughty schoolboy whose after school tuitions are called off, I’m somewhat happy that I don’t have to do this ‘extra’ beyond my regular training,” Fouaad laughs.

“My regular riding and stable work keeps my days full. The gym and physio are actually a bit of a stretch for me… but, yes I will do my physio at home. Because every 1 per cent or 2 per cent extra that I put in adds up to an improved performance and I will not give anything a miss.”

The Arjuna awardee practises roughly for seven hours a day, seven days a week. He has five horses for his practice and each horse too has its daily schedule.

His practice apart, he has long daily chores of attending to his horses, feeding them, keeping the stables clean, putting them through their exercise routines, applying ice packs on their legs when needed, giving them massage blankets and other wellness care.

His day ends with one last check on the horses at 10pm, before he hits the bed.

Sounds tough? But Fouaad wouldn’t want it in any other way.

While the world reels, Fouaad is confident an antidote will shortly be discovered.

Meanwhile, horse and rider continue their daily routine, focused on the Olympics. Whenever it may take place.