New Delhi: The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has decided to suspend the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) from December 1, 2026, over a prolonged governance crisis, preventing Indian riders, officials, trainers and horses from competing in international events during the suspension.
The decision was taken at an online meeting of the FEI Board on October 13 and communicated to members of EFI’s ad hoc committee, Lt Col (retd) Sandeep Dewan and advocate Vidushpat Singhania, in a letter dated October 15.
The FEI cited the dissolution of EFI’s executive committee by the Delhi High Court in February 2026 and the continued delay in holding fresh elections as the primary reasons for its action. The committee’s elected tenure had expired in September 2023, leaving the federation without a newly elected executive body.
The international governing body acknowledged the explanation submitted by the ad hoc committee on September 27 and appreciated the work undertaken by the panel since it was appointed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on March 27. However, it maintained that the prolonged absence of an elected leadership could not continue indefinitely.
Elections to EFI’s executive committee are expected to be completed by January 31, 2027. The FEI has clarified that the suspension will be reviewed only after the elections have taken place and the results and electoral process have been evaluated.
During the suspension, EFI will not be permitted to attend or be represented at meetings of FEI bodies or organise international events. Indian athletes, officials, trainers and horses will also be barred from participating in competitions organised by the FEI or other national federations, whether under the Indian flag or the FEI flag.
The decision could significantly disrupt India’s international equestrian programme until the governance dispute is resolved and the FEI completes its review.
The suspension also has implications for endurance horses trained by Indian professionals but registered with other national federations. The FEI has specifically highlighted the case of trainer Hari Singh Aam, who is registered with EFI.
Under the FEI Endurance Rules, horses whose registered trainer changes cannot compete for 14 days from the date the change is notified. Consequently, any required change involving horses trained by Aam must be notified by November 17 to maintain their eligibility for competitions from December 1.
The dispute stems from the continuation of EFI’s executive committee beyond the expiry of its tenure and subsequent legal proceedings concerning the federation’s administration and elections. Following the Delhi High Court’s intervention in February, the IOA established an ad hoc committee to oversee the federation and facilitate fresh elections.
With the suspension scheduled to begin before the communicated election deadline, India’s return to international equestrian competition will depend on completing the electoral process and securing the FEI’s subsequent approval.
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