New Delhi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian sports, has warned the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) of possible suspension over delays in finalising its new constitution and conducting elections within the prescribed timeline.

In a letter to the EFI, the FEI said the existing administrative arrangement did not appear to be consistent with principles of good governance. According to the international body, the EFI should have an elected governing body chosen by its members under the applicable constitution and operating in accordance with relevant Indian sports laws.

The matter is also linked to directions issued by the Delhi High Court regarding the process of finalising the EFI’s new constitution and conducting fresh elections.

The FEI expressed concern over the delay in the election process and said the existing arrangement did not appear to meet the requirements of democratic and member-based governance under the sports laws applicable in India.

An ad hoc committee was formed on March 27 to take forward the administration and election process of the EFI. The committee was given responsibility for conducting elections by June 27.

The committee included FEI Governance Director Francisco Lima, advocate Vidushpat Singhania and Colonel Ashok Yadav.

Following the FEI warning, finalising the new constitution and conducting elections have become important steps for the EFI. If the concerns raised by the international body are not addressed, the federation could face the possibility of suspension.

The next course of action will depend on when the EFI completes the required steps related to the elections and constitution and how the relevant judicial and sports-administration directions are implemented.

India’s next Asian Games kabaddi matches

India’s men’s team will face South Korea on September 22, followed by matches against Bangladesh on September 23 and Chinese Taipei on September 24.

The semi-finals are scheduled for September 25, while the men’s gold-medal match will be played on September 26.

India won the kabaddi gold medal at the previous Asian Games and have entered this edition seeking to retain the title. The opening victory over Japan has given the team a strong start to its campaign.