Despite facing sizable logistical difficulties during the pandemic-particularly in transporting their horses-China's elite equestrian riders remain confident of achieving major breakthroughs at the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics.

"As many people know, this is the first time that the Chinese equestrian eventing team has qualified for the Olympic Games. This is a huge achievement and a milestone for Chinese equestrian sports," Alex Hua Tian told China Daily in an exclusive interview before flying to Tokyo.

The Chinese Equestrian Association last month named an eight-strong team for Tokyo, led by eventing star Alex Hua Tian and show jumping veteran Li Zhenqiang. The remainder of the squad is comprised of young riders making their Olympic debuts.