Anush Agarwalla cleared to participate in Paris Olympics 2024 by Delhi High Court
Indian equestrian Anush Agarwalla has been cleared to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 as the Delhi High Court ruled in his favor, upholding the selection criteria that was set by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI).
Shruti Vora, another contender for the national team, had mounted a legal challenge, following which the decision was made. 24-year-old Agarwalla, who is also an Asian Games gold medalist, sealed his spot over Shruti Vora, 53, on the basis of EFI's selection criteria.
The criteria took performances across various competitions into consideration. Ultimately, it favored Agarwalla for putting up consistent scores and on the basis of his achievements during the qualification period which began in January 2023.
Delhi High Court emphasizes importance of sustained excellence in the decision to clear Anush Agarwalla
With an average score of 67.695%, Anush Agarwalla was slightly ahead of Vora's score that read 67.163%. He edged past Vora, who attained recent success, by also becoming the first Indian rider to win a three-star CDR event.
“It is a reasoned approach that aims to identify athletes who demonstrate sustained excellence, a critical factor for success in events such as the Olympic Games, the court ruled.
In its ruling, the court emphasized that while the petitioner advocated for a selection model that prioritized recent results, EFI's approach was deemed reasoned and not arbitrary. The ruling also highlighted the importance of sustained excellence, which is critical for success at the Olympic level, deferring to the expertise of sports governing bodies in these matters.
"In light of the above, the Court finds no merit in the present petition and accordingly the same is dismissed, along with the pending applications. Interim order(s) stands vacated," the judgment further read.
The court, in response to its decision, also urged EFI to remain open to refining its selection criteria in the future in order to adapt itself to the competitive standards that are evolving, along with being open to receiving feedback from stakeholders.
With Anush Agarwalla cleared to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024, the decision also marks a significant milestone for India. The country has now secured its first-ever representation in the Dressage event at the Olympic Games in its history.