New Delhi, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Asian Games gold medallist Anush Agarwalla has criticised the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) selection process after missing out on a place in the Indian dressage team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.
Agarwalla, who was part of India’s gold-winning dressage team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and also won an individual bronze medal, expressed his disappointment on Instagram after his hopes of competing at the upcoming Games formally ended.
“The dream of Asian Games 2026 is officially over,” the 25-year-old wrote, saying he was “deeply hurt” because he felt he was never given an opportunity to compete for a medal.
In another post, Agarwalla said accepting the outcome did not mean he believed the selection process was right. He added that he was proud of having pursued his case until the end.
Agarwalla had initially been named as a reserve for India’s dressage team. His exclusion subsequently became the subject of a selection dispute, with the rider challenging the process and questioning the interpretation of the prescribed selection criteria.
The Delhi High Court, however, declined to intervene in the matter, ruling that the selection had been conducted in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
Agarwalla said he had approached the EFI, Indian Olympic Association and Sports Ministry regarding the issue, but his efforts did not change the outcome.
Calling for greater transparency in athlete selection, he said sporting aspirants should not have to face a similar experience.
“If India wants to become a true sporting nation, athletes deserve a system that is fair, transparent and respects the years of work behind every opportunity,” Agarwalla wrote.
He thanked his coach, family and others who supported him during the dispute, while also making it clear that his larger sporting ambitions remained unchanged.
India’s dressage team had won gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, where Agarwalla also secured an individual bronze.
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