Apex Court Focuses on Improving Sports Selection Process
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to grant interim relief to two dressage riders who challenged their exclusion from India's Dressage team for the 2026 Asian Games. While refusing to intervene in the immediate selection dispute, the Court said it would examine broader issues related to making the sports selection process more transparent and institutionalised.
A Bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe dismissed the riders' request for interim relief but agreed to issue notice on the larger question of reforms in the selection mechanism.
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| Supreme Court hears petition challenging India's Dressage team selection for the 2026 Asian Games. |
Court Declines to Reopen Individual Selection Dispute
During the hearing, the Bench made it clear that it would not revisit individual selection decisions at this stage.
The Court observed that its primary concern is whether the existing selection framework followed by sports federations requires stronger institutional safeguards rather than addressing last-minute disputes involving individual athletes.
The judges noted that the issue before them should focus on improving the overall system instead of altering the composition of a team already selected for international competition.
Riders Challenged Reserve List Decision
The petition was filed by dressage riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela, who were placed on the reserve list instead of being included in India's final squad for the 2026 Asian Games.
The riders approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court declined to interfere with the final team selection despite identifying procedural shortcomings in the process adopted by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).
Delhi High Court Had Flagged Procedural Lapses
Earlier this month, the Delhi High Court observed that the Equestrian Federation of India had failed to fully comply with certain provisions of its own selection policy and had acted with undue haste while preparing the final selection list.
However, the High Court decided against ordering a fresh selection exercise because the deadline for submitting India's final squad to the organisers was approaching. The court noted that reopening the process could affect India's participation in the upcoming Asian Games.
Instead, it directed the federation to strictly follow its selection criteria in future selections.
Supreme Court Stresses Institutional Reforms
During the proceedings, senior advocate Maninder Singh, appearing for the riders, argued that the petitioners deserved consideration under the established selection process after being placed on the waiting list.
The Supreme Court, however, expressed reluctance to intervene in sports selection disputes involving individual athletes shortly before major international events.
The Bench observed that judicial intervention should be limited and that greater attention should instead be given to establishing a transparent, consistent and institutionalised selection system for sports federations across the country.
What Is Dressage?
Dressage is a competitive equestrian discipline in which horse and rider perform a series of carefully choreographed movements designed to demonstrate precision, balance, training and harmony.
The event is one of the recognised disciplines in international equestrian competitions, including the Asian Games and the Olympics.
What Happens Next?
Although interim relief has been denied, the Supreme Court will continue hearing the broader issue concerning reforms in sports selection procedures.
The outcome of the case could influence how national sports federations conduct athlete selection in future, with greater emphasis on transparency, fairness and adherence to established guidelines.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court has chosen not to interfere with India's Dressage team selection for the 2026 Asian Games, while signalling its willingness to examine systemic improvements in the selection process. The decision highlights the judiciary's preference for strengthening institutional mechanisms rather than intervening in individual selection disputes close to major sporting events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the Supreme Court refuse interim relief?
The Court declined to interfere with the immediate team selection but agreed to examine broader reforms to improve transparency and consistency in sports selection procedures.
Who filed the petition?
Dressage riders Anush Agarwalla and Sudipti Hajela challenged their exclusion after being placed on the reserve list for India's Asian Games squad.
What did the Delhi High Court decide?
The Delhi High Court found procedural lapses in the selection process but declined to order a fresh selection because of the approaching deadline for submitting the final team.
What is dressage?
Dressage is an equestrian sport where riders and horses perform a sequence of precise movements that are judged on accuracy, control and harmony.
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