It should surprise no one if riders, notably those who intend to be based overseas for their preparation for the 2022 Asian Games, choose to express shock and disappointment at the choice of the qualification window and other criteria suggested by the Equestrian Federation of India in the draft Selection Criteria posted on its website on December 3 last.
For, the qualification window suggested by EFI, February 1 to November 15, 2021, may well leave India’s top eventing rider, Fouad Mirza with the stiffest of challenges. The 2018 Asian Games silver medalist will be able to join the 2022 Asian Games qualification race only after the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games , due to be held from July 23 to August 8 this year.
Given that the Asian Games is scheduled to be held from September 10 to 25 in Hangzhou, China, the closure of the suggested qualification window as early as on November 15, 2021 appears ill-advised. EFI may do well to revise the qualification dates to end in June 2022 rather than nearly 10 months before the start of the Asian Games.
For the record, EFI published the selection criteria for the 2018 Asian Games on May 25, 2017 and said qualification could be obtained between January 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018. It is significant to note that the qualifying window closed only two and a half months before the scheduled start of the Asian Games in Jakarta.
Even a cursory study of qualification criteria for global events will reveal that no such window will close 10 months before the scheduled start of the events. In fact, everyone who is even remotely interested in sport will know that the International Olympic Committee had revised the last date of qualification for 2020 Olympic Games to June 29, 2021.
In fact, even the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has allowed athletes (rider-horse combinations, actually) who have qualified to secure Minimum Eligibility Requirements time till June 21. It is evident that such changes were designed by the International bodies to ensure that athletes who are at their peak form compete in the Olympic Games.
With many European countries in a lockdown in their battle with Covid-19, there is little likelihood of resumption of international competitions in a hurry, reducing the timeframe for those who will base themselves there. It would appear that the EFI will have to take cognisance of the Covid-19 situation in Europe when finalising the qualification norms.
Questions are also bound to be asked about the different yardsticks proposed for those based in India and those who seek train and compete overseas. EFI has proposed that the Indian riders would seek qualification in five trials, National-level competitions, but wants overseas riders to be competing in events listed by the international federation, FEI.
The overseas riders are each expected to intimate a choice of 10 FEI CDI/CSI/CCI level competitions within 30 days of approval of selection criteria. EFI has indicated that it will approve five of the 10 events intimated by the rider where the horse-rider combination is required to attain the Minimum Eligibility Requirement in one or more trials.
EFI has also said that it would host a camp for the probables, except for riders based overseas, from November 16, 2021 to February 15, 2022. The final selection will be done based on the merit of the riders during the trials, fitness and performances of the horses and riders during coaching. There is no word on any plans for those based overseas.
More than anything else, it is the proposed stipulation that a designated member of the EFI would ‘critically monitor’ the performance of riders based abroad by visiting the venues that raises eyebrows. The designated member is expected to monitor performance of riders, fitness of horses, technical conduct, administrative and veterinary aspects of the events and file a report.
Having laid down that overseas riders can seek qualification only in FEI-listed events, it defies belief that an EFI observer is needed to monitor even things like technical conduct, administrative and veterinary aspects of the events. This stipulation is an open admission of the opportunity to send officials on overseas tours.
In stating that before submission of definite entries, at least one designated member of EFI will watch all the final review of probables (at the camp) and hold discussion with coaches, Jury Members, TD, Organisers, Vet Doctors and competitors to ‘facilitate better selection process’, EFI seems to be suggesting that the selection committee is not equipped to handle the job itself.
Quite surprisingly, EFI has reserved the right to reject suggestions on the draft criteria without assigning a reason and has said no complaint will be accepted at any stage. The whole idea of asking for comments and suggestions from rider and other stakeholders is to ensure a fair system is in place and it follows that rejection of any suggestions must be explained logically.
EFI has for long been governed by bunch of unprofessional officials . It’s time changes are brought about or the sport is doomed .