EFI’s Deepening Governance Troubles

The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) is facing fresh turbulence, with the Sports Ministry reportedly considering appointing an Ad Hoc Committee under the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to oversee its operations.

This development follows prolonged governance and compliance concerns. Last month, the Ministry issued a show-cause notice, giving 15 days to respond, and separately sought an explanation for sending Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich, who is accused of sexual harassment, as coach-cum-manager of the Indian team for the Tent Pegging World Cup qualifiers in Jordan.

Judicial scrutiny has trailed the Army-run federation for years over alleged non-compliance with the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. After a ‘Relaxation Clause’ was incorporated into the Sports Code in 2021, temporary exemptions were granted from the requirement of affiliation with State/UT Associations in two-thirds of States and related electoral representation norms, citing the sport’s unique requirements.

In January 2025, the Delhi High Court held these exemptions to be arbitrary, but allowed them to continue on an interim basis to avoid a governance vacuum. A fact-finding committee was constituted to assess ground realities, with directions to the Ministry to take a reasoned decision on continuation, modification, or withdrawal of the exemptions within four weeks of receiving the report. A subsequent challenge to this decision was dismissed by a Division Bench in December 2025.

Separately, the global equestrian body has reportedly asked EFI to comply with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, and conduct elections without delay.