Col Rajesh Pattu's dream of winning an individual medal at the Olympics lies shattered. The three-time Asian Games bronze medallist made a dramatic return to the Indian team yesterday when Equestrian Federation of India announced the squad for the three-day eventing and jumping events at the Asian Games to be held in August in Jakarta.
Pattu's happiness, however, was shortlived. In a shocking U-turn, the EFI issued a brusque statement saying, “In view of the fact that NO rider has met the criteria for any of the team or individual events i.e. In eventing, showjumping and dressage, the selection of the team for eventing and show jumping stands cancelled.”
Pattu, a Cavalry Officer whose dream is to win an Olympic medal for India, recently quit the Army and shifted base to Germany to train there with his horse BGS Morgan with the help of a private sponsor. Speaking to THE WEEK, the 46-year-old rider said, “Going to the Asian Games was not the big deal, winning an Olympic medal for India is. I had a dream for Olympics. I quit the Army to pursue this dream.”
The selection committee meeting—minutes of which were posted on EFI website on Monday—had outlined the criteria for selection-trials held in India and abroad. The aim was to send only those who were medal prospects and not just to make up numbers. A four-member squad for eventing and three-member squad for showjumping were then announced. Below-par results in trials for dressage led to no-selection in that event for Asian Games.
Selection issues have marred composition of teams in the past, too. The teams comprise both private, affluent individuals who can afford top quality horses and training, competing in various events and trials, and riders from the Army—the latter being its founder.
According to well-placed sources, a disgruntled but immensely influential women rider, reportedly, met with a top Army official, post which the EFI issued the statement. This top official is not an office-bearer of the EFI, but commands tremendous influence.
Since the 1982 Asiad at home, Indian equestrian team has always returned with at least one medal in the Continental Games. However, in the 2010 edition, the team could not participate with Indian horses as they were unable to clear the quarantine tests. In 2014, Incheon Games, the team got a last-minute clearance from the sports ministry.