NEW DELHI: Equestrian Anush Agarwalla conceded his dream of competing within the 2026 Asian Games, which start on September 19, is over. The rider stated he felt ‘betrayed’ after his pleas to the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), Sports activities Ministry and the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) went unheard.“The dream of Asian Video games 2026 is formally over. Phrases can not clarify the ache and vacancy I really feel proper now. I’ve all the time represented India with immense satisfaction, and all the time will. However this time, I’m deeply damage – not as a result of I misplaced, however as a result of I used to be by no means given the possibility to compete,” he wrote in a publish.“I can settle for defeat on the sector. That’s sport. You battle, you win, you lose, and also you come again stronger. However this feels much less like defeat and extra like betrayal. Accepting an final result doesn’t suggest I’ve to consider the method was proper.“I fought till the final second, and I’m pleased with that. A battle for a medal is any day a greater battle. A battle in opposition to the system could by no means yield a medal, however no less than it leaves a file of who stood in the best way between me, Floriana, my horse, and the medal we labored for. Possibly I did not get to battle for the medal. However I made positive the message was registered. Regardless of reaching out to the Federation, IOA and the Ministry, there was no effort to overview what occurred. I solely hope no athlete has to undergo this once more. If India desires to change into a real sporting nation, athletes deserve a system that’s truthful, clear and respects the years of labor behind each alternative,” he continued.A bench of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe had refused to grant any aid to the two-time Asian Video games medallist, saying the court docket could be very reluctant to intrude in particular person sports activities issues.Each riders gained gold medals on the 2022 Asian Video games and had filed petitions after they weren’t chosen for the upcoming version by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).In August, the Sports activities Ministry had burdened that it could keep on with the choice criterias regardless of “strain being created.”In its choice standards unveiled in 2025, the Ministry had made it clear that solely these with “sensible likelihood of profitable a medal” could be thought of for multi-sport occasions, together with the Asian Video games, by way of choice trials that will be videographed and overseen by unbiased observers.EFI’s ad-hoc committee had first named a variety checklist in June for the dressage occasion on the Asian Video games, the place Agarwalla and Hajela have been positioned as reserve riders. Agarwalla was named as first reserve and Hajela as second reserve — whereas 4 riders have been chosen forward of them (Shruti Vora, Gaurav Pundir, Jai Sud and Hriday Chheda).The Asian Video games will likely be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4.Equestrian Anush Agarwalla conceded his dream of competing within the 2026 Asian Video games, which start on September 19, is over. The rider stated he felt ‘betrayed’ after his pleas to the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), Sports activities Ministry and the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) went unheard.Equestrian Anush Agarwalla conceded his dream of competing within the 2026 Asian Video games, which start on September 19, is over. The rider stated he felt ‘betrayed’ after his pleas to the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), Sports activities Ministry and the Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) went unheard.