India’s equestrian establishment is once again under scrutiny after the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) appointed rape accused Colonel (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich as coach-cum-manager of the Indian team for the overseas assignment in Jordan, despite the sports ministry issuing a special notice to the federation over the long-standing governance failure.
The immediate controversy centers on the EFI’s decision to send Tarsem Singh with the Indian team for the International Tent Preservation Federation (ITPF) World Cup Qualifiers to be held in Jordan from January 29-31. The top two teams from the event will qualify for the World Cup finals later this year, also in Jordan.
Tarsem Singh, a member of the EFI Executive Committee, has never competed in a National Tent Hanging Championship and was previously suspended by the federation from 2022 to 2024 in a case related to impersonation. His participation in the Jordan event drew strong objections from the equestrian community.
The matter was formally raised by the junior rider’s father, who wrote to the ITPF and highlighted the appointment of Tarsem Singh. In his complaint, he said that an FIR was registered against Colonel Tarsem Singh Warraich in Sonepat in connection with a sexual harassment complaint filed by two women.
“Given the gravity of the offense and the fact that the individual is out on bail only, how can the sports authorities allow Colonel Tarse Singh to travel outside the country let alone represent the nation,” the letter said.
In response to the complaint, the ITPF asked the EFI to take “appropriate action” after verifying the information.
“We request that this issue be treated with the utmost seriousness and that appropriate action be taken after proper verification of the information provided. We would also appreciate being informed of the outcome and any action taken in this regard to ensure the safety of all competitors and maintain the integrity of the sport,” the ITPF said in a statement.
According to sources, the ITPF also refused to allow Tarsem Singh to attend the umpiring course, which is being held alongside the event in Jordan, after other participants raised objections.
Repeated calls and messages to Tarse Singh and EFI Interim President Jagat Singh went unanswered.
PROBLEM WITH SELECTION BEFORE EVENT
The controversy comes on the back of a troubled selection process for Jordan’s qualification. The EFI did not hold the planned selection trials after the National Tent Anchoring Championships held earlier this month, leading to confusion and unrest among the riders.
Numerous and conflicting shortlists were issued over successive days, raising objections to deviations from the established selection criteria. The situation escalated when the trials stopped in the middle and the riders were asked to leave the camp along with their horses.
On 16 January, the EFI informed the ITPF that India would not be able to participate in the qualifiers, citing adverse weather conditions. The international body rejected the request, stating that withdrawal after confirmation would be sanctioned, and subsequently issued a penalty invoice.
A day later, the EFI reversed its stance and sent a revised list of four athletes to the ITPF, with Tarsem Singh listed as coach-cum-manager.
NOTICE OF THE MINISTRY OF PROBLEMS
Separately, on January 28, the Sports Ministry issued a detailed notice to EFI for non-compliance with the conditions attached to the exemptions granted under the National Sports Development Code, 2011.
The ministry noted that the waivers granted in November 2021 required the EFI to develop sports infrastructure and ensure the existence of state and district units in at least two-thirds of the states and union territories. It noted that EFI had not informed the Department of compliance despite more than four years having passed.
The show cause notice also involved court submissions challenging the EFI’s practice of granting direct membership to individuals, clubs and units of the Indian Army, which the courts noted were aimed more at maintaining vote control than promoting sport.
The ministry further pointed out that the EFI does not publish annual competition calendars, inform national championships in advance, compile and publish selection policies, use allocated budgets, coaches and support staff, and submit concrete plans for upcoming international events.
Warning that these deficiencies adversely affect athletes and could lead to embarrassment for the country, the ministry noted that international governing body FEI has warned of possible expulsion.
EFI has been given 15 days to respond, failing which action may be considered under the Sports Code, including withdrawal of recognition.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
January 29, 2026