Anush Agarwalla Raises Questions Over ‘Unfair’ Selection Process After Asian Games Gold

Anush Agarwalla Says Asian Games Exclusion Feels Like ‘Betrayal’, Questions Selection Process

Indian dressage star Anush Agarwalla has voiced strong disappointment over his exclusion from India’s 2026 Asian Games team, describing the experience as more of a “betrayal” than a sporting setback.

Agarwalla, who helped India win the team dressage gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and also secured an individual bronze, took to Instagram after his hopes of representing the country at the Aichi-Nagoya Games were officially ended.

“The dream of Asian Games 2026 is officially over,” Agarwalla wrote, saying he was “deeply hurt” because he believed he had not been given a genuine opportunity to compete.

Agarwalla Challenges Selection Decision

The 25-year-old was initially named as a reserve for India’s Asian Games dressage squad. His eventual exclusion led to a dispute over the selection procedure, with the rider questioning the interpretation and application of the prescribed criteria.

Agarwalla challenged the decision, but the Delhi High Court declined to intervene, ruling that the selection process had been conducted in accordance with the stipulated criteria.

Despite the court ruling, the rider said he continues to have reservations about how the decision was reached.

“I can accept defeat on the field. That is sport. You fight, you win, you lose, and you come back stronger. But this feels less like defeat and more like betrayal,” he said.

‘Accepting the Outcome Doesn’t Mean I Believe the Process Was Right’

Agarwalla said he approached the Equestrian Federation of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry in an effort to have the matter reviewed.

However, he said he did not feel that there was a meaningful reconsideration of the decision.

“Accepting an outcome doesn’t mean I have to believe the process was right,” Agarwalla said, while stressing that he was proud to have pursued his case until the end.

He also used the episode to call for greater transparency in the selection of athletes.

“If India wants to become a true sporting nation, athletes deserve a system that is fair, transparent and respects the years of work behind every opportunity,” he wrote.

Olympic Games Become the Next Goal

Despite the disappointment, Agarwalla said he intends to move forward and remain focused on his career.

The rider revealed that he will take his first break from training since moving to Germany around a decade ago. After that, he plans to return to competition with the Olympics as his next major objective.

“I will return, and the Olympics will be the next goal. The Indian flag will always be worth fighting for,” he said.

Agarwalla also thanked his coach, family and supporters for standing by him during the dispute and paid tribute to his horse Floriana.

“This hurts. But I am not done. On to the next goal,” he said.