Indian equestrian sport has found itself in the spotlight after Olympian and Arjuna Awardee Anush Agarwalla moved the Delhi High Court, questioning the process used to select the country's dressage team for the 2026 Asian Games.
The petition comes days after Agarwalla was named a reserve rider despite being India's highest-ranked dressage athlete and one of Asia's leading competitors in the discipline.
Who is Anush Agarwalla?
Anush Agarwalla is currently ranked World No. 14 and Asia No. 2 in dressage, making him India's highest-ranked rider in the sport.
He made history by becoming the first Indian dressage rider to qualify for and compete at the Paris Olympics. His achievements also include a team gold medal at the Asian Games and an individual bronze medal, the first individual dressage medal won by an Indian at the continental event.
According to the petition filed before the Delhi High Court, Agarwalla has also recorded the highest PSG score among Indian riders this year.
Why is he challenging the selection?
The controversy began after the Equestrian Federation of India's ad-hoc committee announced the dressage squad for the upcoming Asian Games. While four riders were named in the main team, Agarwalla was listed as a reserve.
In a social media statement, he questioned the decision and the criteria used during the selection process.
"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."
Call for transparency
While making it clear that he respects the selected athletes, Agarwalla said greater clarity is needed in how such decisions are made.
"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 has also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other authorities to review the matter.
"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 Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the matter on June 22.
