The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has appointed Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich, who faces rape and sexual harassment charges, as coach-cum-manager for the Indian team at the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) World Cup Qualifiers in Jordan. This decision has ignited outrage and prompted the Sports Ministry to issue a show-cause notice to the EFI over governance failures. The controversy highlights ongoing issues within the federation, including past suspensions and compliance lapses.
The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) finds itself in hot water after naming Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich as coach-cum-manager for the Indian contingent at the ITPF World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled in Jordan from January 29 to 31, 2026. Warraich, an executive committee member of the EFI, faces serious allegations: an FIR was registered against him in Sonipat for sexual harassment complaints filed by two women, and he is currently out on bail. Notably, he has never competed in a national tent pegging championship and was suspended by the EFI from 2022 to 2024 in an impersonation-related case.
The selection came to light through a complaint from the father of a junior rider, who alerted the ITPF. In his letter, he questioned: "Given the seriousness of the offense and the fact that the individual is only out on bail how can the sports authorities allow Colonel Tarsem Singh to travel outside the country let alone represent the Nation?" The ITPF responded promptly, urging the EFI to act: "We request that this issue be treated with the utmost seriousness, and that appropriate action be taken after due verification of the information provided. We would also appreciate being informed of the outcome and any measures taken in this regard, in order to ensure the safety of all competitors and uphold the integrity of the sport."
Warraich has denied the charges, claiming they are fabricated and that no court order prevents him from performing his duties. The EFI now has 15 days to respond to the Sports Ministry's show-cause notice, which cites prolonged governance and compliance failures, including non-adherence to the sports code. Failure to comply could lead to withdrawal of recognition or disaffiliation risks from international bodies like the FEI. The qualifiers will see the top two teams advance to the finals in Jordan in November 2026, but this scandal raises broader concerns about the integrity of Indian equestrian sports and national representation.
