Anush Agarwalla Questions Selection Process After Exclusion from 2026 Asian Games

New Delhi, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : Anush Agarwalla, a gold medalist at the Asian Games, has raised concerns about the selection process of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) after he was not chosen for the 2026 Asian Games. The decision means that Agarwalla, who previously contributed to India’s success in equestrian events, will not have the opportunity to defend the team title.

Agarwalla was part of the Indian dressage team that won gold in 2022 and also earned an individual bronze medal. He expressed his disappointment on Instagram, stating, “The dream of competing in the 2026 Asian Games is officially over.”

The 25-year-old athlete shared that he feels let down, believing he was never given a fair chance to compete. He conveyed his feelings of pain and emptiness, saying, “Words cannot express the pain and void I feel right now. I have always proudly represented India and will continue to do so, but this time, I am deeply saddened—not because I lost, but because I was never given the opportunity to compete.”

Initially selected as a reserve for the Indian dressage team, Agarwalla’s exclusion sparked controversy. He challenged the selection process, questioning the criteria used. However, the Delhi High Court declined to intervene, affirming that the selection adhered to established rules.

In his social media post, Agarwalla mentioned that he reached out to the EFI, Indian Olympic Association, and the Sports Ministry regarding his exclusion but received no assistance. He emphasized that accepting the outcome does not mean he agrees with the selection process, and he takes pride in standing up for himself.

Additionally, Agarwalla called for greater transparency in athlete selection, insisting that no other players should endure similar experiences. He concluded his post with a plea for India to develop a fair and transparent system that honors the hard work behind every opportunity, stating, “If India truly wants to be a sports nation, athletes deserve a system that is equitable and respects years of effort.”