7 months ago
EFI Faces Scrutiny Over Rape-Accused Coach
The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) is in trouble because they chose a retired colonel, Tarsem Singh Warraich, who is accused of serious crimes, to coach the Indian team at an international event in Jordan.
The sports ministry in India has also asked EFI to explain why they haven't followed the rules.
Some people are upset because they think someone with such serious accusations shouldn't be representing the country.
The international body that organizes the event has also asked EFI to look into this.
Additionally, EFI has had problems with how they picked the team for the event, which has caused more issues.
The EFI's Secretary General says he didn't know about the appointment and thinks Warraich got it through unfair means.
The EFI has to respond to the ministry's notice within 15 days or face serious consequences.
EFI named Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich, who faces sexual harassment allegations, for an overseas assignment as coach-cum-manager for the ITPF World Cup Qualifiers in Jordan.
The sports ministry issued a show-cause notice to EFI for governance and compliance lapses, including failure to develop sports infrastructure and notify national championships.
The ITPF requested EFI to take appropriate action and verify the information provided about Tarsem Singh Warraich.
EFI faced controversies in the selection process for the Jordan qualifiers, including issuing contradictory lists of probables and failing to conduct scheduled trials.
The ministry warned EFI that failure to respond to the notice within 15 days could result in action under the Sports Code, including withdrawal of recognition.
- Who
- Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) and Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich
- What
- Controversy over the selection of a rape-accused ex-colonel for an overseas assignment and governance lapses
- Where
- Jordan for the event; India for the ministry's notice
- When
- January 29 to 31 for the event; January 28 for the ministry's show-cause notice
- Why
- Due to sexual harassment allegations against Tarsem Singh Warraich and EFI's failure to comply with governance and compliance conditions
Key facts
- Event
- ITPF World Cup Qualifiers in Jordan
- Controversial Figure
- Col (Retd) Tarsem Singh Warraich
- Dates
- January 29 to 31
- Issues Raised
- Sexual harassment allegations, governance lapses, selection controversies
- Ministry Action
- Show-cause notice issued to EFI
- ITPF Response
- Requested appropriate action and verification
- EFI Compliance Deadline
- 15 days to respond to the notice
- Bail Conditions
- Warraich out on interim bail till March 2026, must remain in India
- EFI Internal Conflict
- Secretary General unaware of appointment, alleges manipulation by Warraich
Quotes
Tarsem Singh Warraich
Coach-cum-manager of the Indian team for the ITPF World Cup Qualifiers and executive committee member of EFI
“The court has neither stopped me from travelling nor barred me from doing my duty. As a member of the Tent Pegging EFI, I have the responsibility to act as per the order. The EC asked me to travel, so I have”
news18.com
“It is a false case. I do not even know one of the girls. It was a result of the tiff I had with a few people in the organisation I worked for”
news18.com
Father of a junior rider
Parent of a junior rider who wrote to the ITPF
“Given the seriousness of the offence 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”
news18.com
ITPF
International governing body for tent pegging
“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, to ensure the safety of all competitors and uphold the integrity of the sport”
news18.com
Sources
Fuel To Fire? EFI Names Rape-Accused Tarsem Singh As Head Coach For ITPF World Cup Qualifiers Amid Sports Ministry Show-Cause Notice
Equestrian Federation of India names rape-accused ex-colonel for overseas assignment
