Appropriate Choice? EFI Defends Selection Of Head Coach Tarsem Singh: 'He Was The Most...'

Last Updated:February 14, 2026, 15:57 IST

The ITPF expressed concerns about athlete safety following a complaint alleging Singh's involvement in a sexual harassment case, but EFI defended the selection of the head coach.

The Equestrian Federation of India (EFI) has staunchly defended its decision to appoint Col Tarsem Singh as the coach of the Indian tent pegging team, informing the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF) that he was the “most appropriate choice" for the World Cup Qualifiers despite serious allegations against him.

The ITPF, the sport’s global governing body, wrote to the EFI on January 26, 2026, expressing “serious concerns" about athlete safety following a complaint alleging Singh’s involvement in a sexual harassment case. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) also sought comments from the EFI on the matter on January 30.

Led by Acting President Col. Jagat Singh, the EFI responded on February 6 with a firm defence of their decision.

In its response, the EFI stated that Singh, a Member (Tent Pegging) of the EFI, had been reinstated by the Delhi High Court through its May 29, 2024, order in LPA 449/2024 and related matters.

Since then, according to the EFI, Singh had been fulfilling all his responsibilities in accordance with Article 025 of its statutes governing Executive Committee members.

Declaring him the most appropriate choice to lead the team, the EFI pointed out that India qualified for the World Cup, to be held in Jordan in November this year, which validated its decision.

The Indian contingent achieved podium finishes on all three days of competition, winning four team medals – one gold, one silver, and two bronze – along with an individual silver and bronze.

The federation described this as the best performance in recent times.

The EFI maintained that it had “never had any official communication from any authority whatsoever" regarding the allegations.

According to the federation, when Singh’s bail order was circulated to the Executive Committee by “unknown persons," he personally stepped forward to clarify the legal position.

Singh informed the federation that a “false case" had been registered against him in Sonipat in February 2023 and that the matter remains sub-judice.

The EFI stated that Singh has been on bail since 2023, with no restrictions on performing official duties or travelling within India or abroad.

The federation added that Singh provided a certificate from his lawyers to support this claim.

“It was only then that a call was taken to send him with the team," the EFI said, asserting that the decision was in line with its statutes.

The federation further credited Singh with salvaging India’s participation in the World Cup Qualifiers in Jordan.

The EFI claimed he “single-handedly" oversaw preparations from the moment the team was selected and described him as a “seasoned sports manager."

Citing his role as Chef de Mission at the 2014 Asian Para Games in Incheon, the EFI said Singh had the pedigree and experience required for a tournament of such magnitude.

The EFI also noted that Singh interacted with ITPF officials on the sidelines of the event in Jordan and clarified his position directly.

The issue was first brought to the ITPF’s attention by a complainant who alleged that an FIR had been registered against Singh under IPC Sections 323, 354, 376, and 511 at Police Station Sector 27 in Sonipat, Haryana.

The complainant questioned how an individual out on bail in a sexual offence case could represent the country abroad.

In its January 26 communication, the ITPF urged the EFI to treat the matter with “utmost seriousness," verify the information, and inform the world body of the outcome and measures taken.

The EFI’s reply makes it clear that it sees no legal bar to Singh’s appointment, but with allegations still pending in court and concerns over athlete safety raised at the highest level, the controversy surrounding Indian tent pegging appears far from over.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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