EFI Under Scanner After Sending Rape-Accused Member to Jordan Qualifiers

The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has come under renewed scrutiny after it sent rape-accused executive committee member Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich as coach-cum-manager of the Indian team for the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) World Cup Qualifiers in Jordan , even as the Sports Ministry flagged serious governance and compliance failures by the federation.

The qualifiers are being held from January 29 to 31 , with the top two teams set to qualify for the World Cup Finals in November . Tarsem Singh Warraich, who has never competed in a national tent pegging championship , was named for the overseas assignment despite an FIR registered against him in Sonepat, Haryana , following sexual harassment complaints by two women . He is currently out on bail .

The decision drew strong objections after the father of a junior rider wrote to the ITPF , questioning how an official facing serious criminal allegations was permitted to travel abroad and represent the country . Responding to the complaint, the international governing body asked EFI to take “appropriate action” after due verification and also barred Warraich from attending a judges’ course being conducted alongside the Jordan event.

Warraich had earlier been suspended by EFI from 2022 to 2024 in an impersonation-related case , further intensifying concerns over the federation’s lack of due diligence . Repeated attempts to contact Warraich and interim EFI president Jagat Singh for comment went unanswered.

The controversy follows a chaotic selection process for the Jordan event. EFI failed to conduct the scheduled selection trials after the National Tent Pegging Championships earlier this month and issued multiple and contradictory lists of probables , prompting objections from riders. The selection camp was eventually abandoned , with athletes asked to leave with their horses.

On January 16 , EFI informed the ITPF that the Indian team would be unable to participate , citing adverse weather conditions . The request was rejected , with the international body warning of penalties and subsequently issuing a penalty invoice . A revised list of athletes , including Warraich’s name, was submitted the following day.

Separately, the Sports Ministry on January 28 issued a detailed show-cause notice to EFI for failing to comply with conditions attached to exemptions under the National Sports Development Code, 2011 . The ministry cited EFI’s failure to develop infrastructure , establish state and district units , publish competition calendars , frame selection policies , empanel coaches , and utilise allocated funds .

The notice also referred to judicial observations questioning EFI’s membership practices and warned that continued lapses could lead to withdrawal of recognition , noting concerns raised by the international equestrian body FEI over possible disaffiliation . EFI has been given 15 days to respond .