Days after being announced as a reserve rider for the upcoming Asian Games, India's No.1-ranked dressage athlete Anush Agarwalla has filed a petition at the Delhi High Court, challenging a selection process that overlooked the World No. 14 and Asia No. 2 rider despite his strong international record.
The Arjuna Awardee and Paris Olympian, who helped India win team gold and individual bronze at the Asian Games, has sought urgent judicial intervention against the ad-hoc committee governing the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), alleging a lack of transparency and fairness in the selection process. The writ petition, titled Anush Agarwalla v Ad-Hoc Committee for Equestrian Federation of India & Ors., was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution before the Delhi High Court and is scheduled to be taken up on June 22.
What relief has Agarwalla sought?
In his petition, Agarwalla has challenged the June 16 selection list issued by the EFI's ad-hoc committee and sought a series of directions from the court, including:
“Quashing of the Selection List dated 16.06.2026 issued by the Ad-Hoc Committee for Governance of Equestrian Federation of India.”
“Reconstitution of the Selection Committee in a free and transparent manner while ensuring there is no conflict of interest.”
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“Strict implementation of the Selection Criteria issued by EFI governing the upcoming Asian Games especially the procedure under Clause 15 therein.”
The petition also seeks an interim stay on the operation and implementation of the June 16 selection list pending judicial scrutiny of the selection process.
The petition names the EFI ad-hoc committee, its selection committee, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and the Union of India through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as respondents.
Anush Agarwalla moves Delhi HC over Asian Games selection controversy. Instagram/Anush Agarwalla
Why has the selection sparked a dispute?
The controversy arose after the ad-hoc committee announced India's dressage squad for the upcoming Asian Games, naming Shruti Vora, Gaurav Pundir, Jai Sud and Hriday Chheda in the team. Agarwalla, despite being India's highest-ranked dressage rider and one of the country's most accomplished equestrian athletes, was named a reserve rider alongside Sudipti Hajela.
According to the petition, the selection process lacked transparency and failed to provide clarity on how the final decisions were reached. Agarwalla has also alleged that he was denied access to the merit calculations used during the selection exercise.
The plea contends that excluding an athlete with Olympic experience, Asian Games medals and a world ranking of 14 raises serious questions about fairness, transparency and adherence to the federation's own selection criteria.
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EFI defends selection process
The dispute has also triggered an exchange of emails between Agarwalla and the EFI's ad-hoc committee following the announcement of the 2026 Asian Games squad.
In its response, the federation maintained that several statements made by Agarwalla regarding a meeting held on June 18 were inaccurate and misleading. The committee said that while the selection policy did not mandate a personal hearing, Agarwalla was given a special opportunity to present his views.
The federation further stated that all documents, objections and explanations submitted by Agarwalla were examined before the final list of eligible riders was prepared. According to the committee, the dressage team was selected in accordance with the prescribed selection criteria and it found no grounds to alter the final decision.
A decorated career in Indian dressage
Currently ranked World No. 14 and Asia No. 2, Agarwalla is India's highest-ranked dressage rider and one of the most successful equestrian athletes the country has produced in recent years.
His achievements include becoming the first Indian dressage rider to qualify for and compete at the Paris Olympics. He was part of India's historic team gold medal-winning campaign at the Asian Games and also secured an individual bronze medal, becoming the first Indian to win an individual dressage medal at the continental event.
The petition also notes that Agarwalla has recorded the highest PSG score among Indian riders this year.
World No. 14 Anush Agarwalla challenges Asian Games selection process. Instagram/Anush Agarwalla
Agarwalla questions selection criteria
In a detailed social media post, Agarwalla said his reserve status had come as a surprise given his recent performances and rankings.
"Today, I stand as India's No. 1 ranked dressage rider, Asia's No. 2 ranked rider, and World No. 14 in the FEI Rankings. I have also achieved the highest PSG scores among all Indian athletes this year. That is why being named a reserve for the upcoming Asian Games comes as a surprise and raises important questions about the criteria being applied in athlete selection."
Reflecting on his achievements, he added: "Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of achieving several milestones for Indian equestrian sport. I was part of India's historic Asian Games Team Gold medal-winning campaign and won an Individual Bronze medal, becoming the first Indian to win an individual dressage medal at the Asian Games. I also became the first Indian dressage rider to qualify for and compete at the Paris Olympic Games."
Appeal to PM Modi and sports authorities
While expressing respect for the athletes selected to represent India, Agarwalla said the process should be transparent and that athletes deserve clarity on how such decisions are reached.
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"While I respect the selection process and the athletes chosen to represent India, I believe every athlete deserves clarity on how such decisions are made, particularly when current rankings, international performances and proven results appear to suggest otherwise."
He also urged the country's top leadership and sports administrators to review the matter.
"That while my legal team and I explore legal remedies to make the system transparent and accountable not just for me but for all the athletes representing India to the best of their abilities, I respectfully request the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon'ble Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Sports Authority of India, and the concerned authorities to kindly review this decision and ensure that merit, transparency and sporting excellence remain at the heart of athlete selection."
Matter to be heard on June 22
Agarwalla has maintained that his challenge is aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in athlete selection. Concluding his statement, he reaffirmed his commitment to the country.
"My commitment to representing India remains unwavering. I will continue to train, compete and give my absolute best for the nation I am proud to represent. Jai Hind."
The matter is scheduled to come up before the Delhi High Court on June 22, when the court will consider Agarwalla's challenge to the selection process and the reliefs sought in his petition.
West Bengal Sports Minister reacts
West Bengal Sports Minister Indranil Khan said he would examine the matter and seek further details.
"I will definitely look into the situation and find out exactly what has happened. I will also examine the reasons behind the selection decision," Khan told Ei Samay Live.
He added that he is in touch with Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and will seek details from the Centre regarding the matter.
