Ad-Hoc Committee of Equestrian Federation of India Stands Firm Against Union Proposal; Indian Olympic Association’s Role Questioned
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has addressed the ongoing dispute regarding the selection process for equestrian athletes representing India in the upcoming Asian Games. The case involves the Ad-Hoc Committee of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) and the Union of India (UOI), with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also playing a crucial role.
The court, led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, deliberated over the conflicting views on athlete evaluation. The UOI, through its counsel Mr. Udit Dedhiya, proposed a ranking evaluation with the assistance of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and IOA. This proposal, however, met resistance from the Ad-Hoc Committee of EFI, represented by Mr. Kapil Modi, which opted to contest the appeal on its merits rather than consenting to the UOI’s plan.
The IOA, represented by Ms. Geetika Vyas, expressed its limitations in organizing the selection process, highlighting a gap in expertise. The court noted that the supervisory powers of the IOA over the Ad-Hoc Committee are pivotal, given that the latter was constituted by the IOA under court orders due to the absence of a duly elected executive body of EFI.
The court emphasized the need for a practical solution, requesting the IOA to ensure the presence of its CEO or another high-ranking official to assist in resolving the impasse. The matter is set to be revisited on July 3, 2026, with the court urging all parties to prepare comprehensively.
Bottom Line:
Ad-hoc Committee of Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) - Court deliberates on the process for athlete selection for Asian Games due to lack of consent on proposed resolution by Union of India (UOI). Supervisory powers of Indian Olympic Association (IOA) over the Ad-hoc Committee of EFI emphasized.
Statutory provision(s):
- Guidelines for selection by the Ad-Hoc Committee of EFI
- Orders from the Delhi High Court in W.P.(C) No.10342/2019 and related matters
