Acting on a directive from Justice Purshushaindra Kumar Kaurav of the Delhi High Court on February 18, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has established a four-member ad hoc committee to oversee the operations of the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI). Yashodhara Raje Scindia, former Madhya Pradesh Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, will lead the committee. Other members include Francisco Lima from the International Equestrian Federation, advocate Vidushpat Singhania, and Col. AK Yadav, former EFI Joint Secretary (Technical).
The IOA aims to reform the EFI and facilitate independent elections by forming this committee. The committee’s responsibilities include aligning the EFI Constitution with the National Sports Governance Act 2025, restructuring the General Body, and ensuring compliance with the law. Additionally, they will oversee the conduct of fair and transparent elections for the Athletes Commission.
The Ad-Hoc Committee is tasked with finalizing the Constitution and By-laws within two months, initiating elections within thirty days thereafter, and ensuring a transparent election process. Once the new body is elected, they will assume their roles promptly. Over the years, the EFI has encountered legal challenges due to governance issues, factionalism, and non-compliance with the sports code. The last elections were held in 2019, but the leadership turnover was swift, leading to further complications by 2022.
In a recent development, the Divisional Bench of the Delhi High Court has halted the appointment of the Ad-hoc Administrative Committee and reinstated the 20-member Executive Committee elected in 2019.
