Equestrian Federation of India Faces Takeover by Indian Olympic Association
In a significant development for Indian sports administration, the troubled Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) could soon be placed under an ad-hoc body managed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The sports ministry is preparing to approach the Delhi High Court with a request to dissolve the federation's current executive committee and appoint an interim panel overseen by the IOA to handle daily operations of this Army-run organization.
Longstanding Governance Issues Come to a Head
The EFI has been under judicial scrutiny for several years due to persistent governance failures, internal factionalism, and repeated non-compliance with the national sports code. These administrative problems have severely hampered the federation's functioning and negatively impacted the careers of rider-athletes across the country.
The federation last conducted elections in 2019 for what should have been a four-year term, meaning the current executive committee's tenure officially ended in 2023. Despite this, the present leadership—headed by acting president Col (retd.) Jagat Singh and secretary general Col (retd.) Jaiveer Singh—has continued in their positions for more than two-and-a-half years beyond their legitimate term.
Multiple Warnings and Potential Consequences
The sports ministry recently issued a show-cause notice to the EFI concerning ongoing governance problems, mismanagement issues, and selection controversies as preparations for the 2026 Asian Games intensify. This administrative action comes alongside serious warnings from the sport's global governing body.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) has cautioned the EFI about potential adverse measures if elections are not conducted by the end of this month. The international body could impose a ban on the Indian federation from participating in global competitions, which would force Indian athletes to compete at the Asian Games in Japan as neutral athletes under the FEI flag rather than representing their nation.
International Pressure for Democratic Reform
In a strongly worded communication, the FEI has urged the EFI executive committee to take immediate steps toward establishing a democratically elected leadership. The international federation specifically recommended that the EFI:
- Form a committee to amend its constitution in full compliance with India's national sports governance legislation
- Convene a general meeting of EFI members as required by law to adopt the amended constitution
- Hold subsequent general meetings within one month to conduct proper elections for the executive committee
The FEI has set a clear expectation that this entire election process must be completed within three months to avoid further disciplinary action. The Delhi High Court is expected to hear the sports ministry's petition regarding the federation's dissolution later this month, potentially setting the stage for a complete administrative overhaul of Indian equestrian sports governance.
