Insufficient funds forces Indian equestrians to pay out of pockets at 2026 Asian Games

Indian equestrian riders set to compete in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, are facing a financial strain as their association's ad-hoc committee has reported a shortage of government funds. According to a report by Sabi Hussain of The Times of India, a letter from Lt Col Sandeep Dewan, member of the ad-hoc panel and team leader for the equestrian contingent, revealed that the available funds were insufficient to cover expenses such as hay, bedding, and fodder for the horses.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has so far failed to release funds for the feed and other maintenance expenses for the horses during their stay in Japan. Consequently, riders have been asked to bear these costs themselves and seek reimbursement afterwards. This burden has also been extended to the mandatory quarantine period for the horses in Germany, where riders themselves have covered costs for food, travel, accommodation, and fees, awaiting reimbursement for pre-quarantine tests, blood and swab tests, horse transportation, athlete accommodation, and groom accommodation.

Riders emphasized that timely support in these critical matters is crucial for them to concentrate solely on their performance at the Asian Games. While earlier challenges for Indian athletes were mainly due to poor management by the host nation, this recent issue originated within India's sporting body. The 2026 Asian Games, featuring equestrian events among the disciplines, are scheduled to open on September 19 in Aichi-Nagoya.