Malaysian national dressage rider Diani Lee Cheng Ni is making her return to the Asian Games dressage competition in Tokyo while managing the demands of raising four children. At 38, Diani acknowledges that balancing motherhood and elite sports is an ongoing challenge. “I don’t think there is a perfect balance, honestly. Sometimes my children need more of me, sometimes the sport demands more of me,” she said.

Diani previously represented Malaysia at the 2006 Doha and 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and after a lengthy absence, she resumed international competition at last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. She is set to compete at the JRA Equestrian Park in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo, starting this Friday. She credits her family’s strong support network as vital to her ability to pursue the Games. “Without it, it is impossible for me to do this,” she remarked, adding that she hopes her children will appreciate witnessing her commitment to her goals despite setbacks.

Her main training partner is her 14-year-old Oldenburger Warmblood gelding, Sam 1108, currently based in Denmark with trainer Dennis Fisker. Diani has spent considerable time traveling between Europe and Malaysia to train and compete, all while balancing her family responsibilities. She described the relationship with Sam 1108 as one that requires developing a unique communication and harmony. “It is incredibly humbling,” she said, emphasizing the need to understand each other’s personalities and reactions to build their partnership. Having the horse with her in Japan after extensive travel and training has been deeply emotional.

Diani described the competition at the Asian Games as strong, with many experienced participants. Her focus, however, remains on executing her performance rather than on the outcome. “I am trying to concentrate on what I can control – preparing Sam well, riding accurately and confidently, and producing the best performance we are capable of,” she said.

Alongside Fisker, she is also under the guidance of Datuk Qabil Ambak, a former national equestrian athlete who coached the individual dressage gold medalist at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou. Diani praised Qabil’s direct coaching style and his technical knowledge, highlighting how he has played a key role in both her mental and technical preparation. “Without him, I would not have been able to do any of this in this relatively short time,” she said, acknowledging his three decades of contribution to Malaysian equestrian sport.