DOHA, Dec 8: Host nation Qatar captured their first Asian Games gold medal by winning the individual equestrian event on Friday, but the celebrations were muted in the wake of a South Korean rider's death a day earlier.

Veteran rider Kim Hyung-chil was crushed under the weight of his horse on Thursday in a heavy fall at the Doha Racing and Equestrian Club.South Korea's eventing team decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition, while riders from all the nations wore black armbands in tribute.

Awad Mohammad Al Qahtani from Qatar's victorious eventing team said he was saddened by Kim's death, but that such accidents are part and parcel of a “very dangerous” sport. “I feel sorry for him,” he said. “But this is normal as every rider in cross country knows anything can happen any time.”

Japan's Yoshiaki Oiwa, who won gold in the individual event, said the sport must pick itself up and forge ahead. “I feel very sad for his family and team,” Oiwa said. “We will never forget him, but we have to carry on.”

Qatar's Abdullah Ali Abdulla Al Ejail claimed individual silver with a penalty-free final jumping run, with Husref Jeremiah of Malaysia finished third. “We are very, very happy to contribute to our country like this,” Qatar's Al Qahtani said. “We were riding against very strong teams,” he added.

The Emir of Qatar was also present at the prize giving ceremony, savouring the country's first gold medal.—Reuters