The National Sports Club of India which has played host to several top of the league ceremonial programs was abuzz with activity as the racing fraternity from across the globe arrived for a grand opening ceremony of the 36th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) 2016. The 600 plus delegation were treated to traditional Indian welcome with the grace of our ancient practice – Atithi Devo Bhava which translates to Our Guest is Akin to the Gods. Classical dance performances from several talented performers gave the large number of foreigners in the audience a visual treat as the performers enchanted one and all with their graceful art. Children from the Dil Khush Special School rendered the National Anthem with true devotion. Honourable Governor of Maharashtra Shri Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao, Dr Cyrus S Poonawalla, Chairman, ARC, Guest of Honour, Princess Zahra Khan, Mr Winfried Engelbretch-Bresges, Chairman Asian Racing Federation stood in respect while the children performed showcasing the purity in their hearts and received a thunderous applause.

The ritual of the lighting of the lamp is a simple act but gives a tremendous sense of divinity and piousness to the whole event. It’s these ancient Indian practices and tenets that go a long way in creating a aura of sanctity and it is not for nothing that the world acknowledges our country as Incredible India!

“I have the great pleasure of welcoming you all to the 36th Asian Racing Conference which is now the fourth ARC which India has held, and the first time in two decades. The enthusiasm that the delegates have shown in the 36th edition of Asian Racing Conference is spectacular. We are privileged to have the most prominent dignitaries grace the opening ceremony. We will deliver our best and make the 36^th edition of ARC a memorable event. We are pleased to have Princess Zahra Aga Khan amongst us as the guest of honour. Mr. Winfried Engelbrecht has been extremely supportive in our endeavour,” said Dr CS Poonawalla in his welcome speech.

Princess Zahra Khan then addressed the gathering recounting her family’s several racing triumphs on Indian turf. Giving a much needed boost to horseracing to be taken seriously by the Government of India, Princess Zahra Khan said, “Horses and horseracing is important to the economic growth. It provides employment to thousands of people all year round. And when you think about it, the horse is one of the most extraordinary phenomenon’s we have. This industry preserves specie of animal and also an entire population that nurtures the species” concluded Princess Zahra Aga while wishing the 36th ARC a grand success.

Honourable Governor Shri Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao spoke about the rich equine history that India prides about over the centuries. The Governor mentioned the importance of conferences such as the ARC that help promote and better the sport of horse racing. “Horseracing and Polo have to be promoted in the right earnest and such conferences are essential to drive the sport aggressively forward,” said the Governor.

With the Governor’s encouraging and supportive statements, the racing fraternity now looks forward to the Government authorities taking initiatives to support the growth of the sport in India and takes credence in the RWITC’s persistent efforts in getting the State and Central Governments to consider reducing the harsh tax structures and offer other assistance and cooperation to help the sport thrive.

Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Chairman of the ARF and Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, set the stage for the forthcoming business of the ARC said, “This is an important forum for exchange and testing of ideas and innovations, and is truly the foundation of new strategies. There is a great deal of ground to cover in the next three days, but history tells us that the 36th ARC will be equipped as a forum to make the necessary progress. We will do this against the backdrop of Mumbai, one of the most iconic cities on the planet, and as a guest of the Royal Western India Turf Club and all the other Turf Authorities of India. We are so glad to have you here to join us.”

The audience comprising of various delegates and dignitaries were entertained with dance performances and given firsthand experience of the Indian culture through a variety of exotic presentations. The mystic touch was added with the Panchtatva act symbolizing the essence of elements like air, water, fire and space enlightened the delegates.

Popular cine star Jacqueline Fernandez took the stage to thrill the local audience with a spectacular performance of her hit songs from her movies. The response from the assorted audience was encouraging and most of the spectators, particularly the overseas audience were captivated by Jacqueline’s grace and panache. Bollywood certainly has gone global as was evident. Jacqueline danced the night away with a troupe of dancers.

With the grand gala opening of the 36th Asian Racing the serious business and specialist sessions at the ARC are now underway and will run through Thursday afternoon. The representation of speakers through the seminars is encouraging with experts from various countries eager to voice innovative suggestions and the ARC this year is expected to have a bank of ideas to be implemented with the sole goal on improving and promoting this most loved sport to higher levels. Honest intent, serious business, educative reforms and elevating the sport and its’ image. This is what one can expect from this important 36th Asian Racing Conference 2016!