Asian Games gold medalist Anush Agarwalla has come across an unfair selection process

Indian dressage rider Anush Agarwalla has hit out at the selection process that ruled him out of the 2026 Asian Games, saying his exclusion was a “betrayal” rather than a sporting defeat.

Agarwalla, Member India’s gold-winning dressage team at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games and the individual bronze medalist there took to Instagram after his Aichi-Nagoya Games hopes were formally ended.

“The dream of the 2026 Asian Games is officially over,” Agarwalla wrote, adding that he was “deeply hurt” as he felt he never got the chance to compete. Anush Agarwalla’s full statement on his absence from the 2026 Asian Games. (Screengrab from Instagram/@anushagarwalla)

SELECTION DISPUTE

The 25-year-old was initially named as a reserve for the Indian dressage team for the Asian Games. His exclusion subsequently became the subject of a selection dispute in which Agarwalla contested process and questioning how the selection criteria were interpreted.

However, the Delhi High Court refused to intervene and held that the selection was made in accordance with the prescribed criteria.

Agarwalla said he could accept losing the competition but struggled to accept what he described as an unfair selection process.

“I can accept defeat on the field. That’s what sport is. You fight, you win, you lose and you come back stronger. But this is less like a defeat and more like a betrayal,” he said.

‘FIGHTED TO THE END’

He also claimed to have come close Equestrian Federation of India, Indian Olympic Association and the Department of Sports in the matter, but felt that there had been no meaningful attempt to review the decision.

“Accepting the result doesn’t mean I have to believe the process was right,” Agarwalla said, adding that he was proud to have fought his case to the end.

The rider also used his post to call for more transparency in the selection of athletes, saying competitors should not have to go through a similar experience.

“If India is to become a true sporting nation, athletes deserve a system that is fair, transparent and respects years of work for every opportunity,” he wrote.

ANOTHER OLYMPIC

Despite the disappointment, Agarwalla said he would not let the episode derail his career. He revealed he will be taking his first break from training since moving to Germany ten years ago a comeback with the Olympics as his next big goal.

“I will come back and the next target will be the Olympics. The Indian flag will always be there to fight for,” he said.

‘NOT DONE’

Agarwalla also thanked his trainer, family and supporters for standing by him during the controversy and paid tribute to his horse Floriana.

“This hurts. But I’m not done yet. I’m on to the next goal,” he said.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

14 Sep 2026 21:50 IST