Asian Games gold medallist Anush Agarwalla hits out at unfair selection process
Indian dressage rider Anush Agarwalla has hit out at the selection process that kept him out of the 2026 Asian Games, saying his exclusion feels more like a "betrayal" than a sporting defeat.
Agarwalla, a member of India's gold-winning dressage team at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games and an individual bronze medallist there, took to Instagram after his hopes of competing at the Aichi-Nagoya Games were formally ended.
"The dream of Asian Games 2026 is officially over," Agarwalla wrote, adding that he was "deeply hurt" because he felt he was never given the opportunity to compete. Full statement by Anush Agarwalla on his absence from Asian Games 2026. (Screengrab from Instagram/@anushagarwalla) SELECTION DISPUTE
The 25-year-old had initially been named as a reserve for India's Asian Games dressage team. His exclusion subsequently became the subject of a selection dispute, with Agarwalla challenging the process and questioning how the selection criteria had been interpreted.
The Delhi High Court, however, declined to intervene, ruling that the selection had been carried out in accordance with the prescribed criteria.
Agarwalla said he could accept losing in competition but struggled to accept what he described as an unfair selection process.
"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.‘FOUGHT UNTIL THE END’
He also claimed that he had approached the Equestrian Federation of India, the Indian Olympic Association and the Sports Ministry over the matter, but felt there had been no meaningful attempt to review the decision.
"Accepting an outcome doesn't mean I have to believe the process was right," Agarwalla said, while adding that he was proud to have fought his case until the end.
The rider also used his post to call for greater transparency in athlete selection, saying competitors should not have to go through a similar experience.
"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.OLYMPICS NEXT
Despite the disappointment, Agarwalla said he would not allow the episode to derail his career. He revealed that he would take his first break from training since moving to Germany a decade ago, before returning with the Olympics as his next major target.
"I will return, and the Olympics will be the next goal. The Indian flag will always be worth fighting for," he said.‘I AM NOT DONE’
Agarwalla also thanked his coach, family and supporters for standing by him during the dispute, while paying tribute to his horse Floriana.
"This hurts. But I am not done. On to the next goal," he said.- EndsPublished By: Amar PanickerPublished On: Sep 14, 2026 21:50 IST
