The Delhi High Court has taken a decisive step to address longstanding governance and infrastructure issues in equestrian sports by establishing a five-member fact-finding committee. This initiative comes in response to concerns raised by the Rajasthan Equestrian Association over exemptions granted to the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) by the Sports Ministry under the National Sports Development Code of 2011. The court's move is aimed at investigating the current state of equestrian sports across India, particularly in areas such as governance, infrastructure, and athlete participation.
The newly formed committee will be chaired by retired Justice Najmi Waziri and will include representatives from key bodies such as the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), and two renowned equestrian athletes, Divyakriti Singh and Shruti Vora, both of whom have represented India on the international stage. This diverse composition of the committee ensures that all aspects of the sport, including governance, athlete representation, and infrastructure, will be examined thoroughly.
One of the committee's primary tasks is to assess the availability and distribution of equestrian infrastructure across the country, with particular focus on underrepresented districts and regions. This will include evaluating the role of state associations, private clubs, and the overall governance structure of equestrian sports in India. The committee will also explore the possibility of implementing a more inclusive governance model that aligns with the existing Sports Code, with the goal of improving the accessibility and growth of equestrian sports nationwide.
Justice Sanjeev Narula, who is presiding over the case, emphasized the importance of including grassroots clubs into district and state associations to strengthen the sport's pyramid structure. The court stressed that the sport’s development should be rooted in a robust infrastructure that can nurture young talent and create pathways for athletes to progress at both national and international levels.
The court’s decision comes in light of a petition filed by the Rajasthan Equestrian Association, challenging exemptions granted to EFI under the National Sports Development Code. These exemptions allowed deviations from key governance principles, including state-level representation and electoral processes. The court expressed concerns over EFI's argument that equestrian sports are unique due to the involvement of horses, which EFI referred to as "co-athletes." The court firmly rejected this argument, reinforcing the view that horses are classified as equipment under the Sports Code, and that all sports, including equestrian, must adhere to the principles of inclusivity and accountability.
Although the exemptions granted to EFI will remain temporarily in effect to avoid disrupting ongoing activities, the court clarified that this does not legitimize these exemptions. The committee will have three months to submit its findings, and its recommendations will play a critical role in guiding the Sports Ministry's decision on whether to continue, modify, or revoke the exemptions granted to EFI.
This landmark step by the Delhi High Court is expected to bring much-needed reforms to equestrian sports in India, ensuring better governance, greater inclusivity, and improved infrastructure. It marks a significant moment for the future of the sport in the country, with the committee's recommendations poised to have a lasting impact on its growth and development.
