IOA Removes Ashok Yadav From Ad-Hoc Panel Amid Escalation Of Rift Within EFI

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Friday removed Col Ashok Yadav (Retd) from the ad-hoc committee overseeing the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), with internal conflicts and disagreements within the panel cited as the likely cause.

The IOA had set up the ad-hoc committee on March 27, following a February 18 Delhi High Court order that called for fresh EFI elections and directed the IOA to appoint an interim body to manage the federation’s affairs.

The committee was chaired by Yashodhara Raje Scindia and also comprised Francisco Lima, advocate Vidushpat Singhania and Col Ashok Yadav.

In an office order issued by IOA president P. T. Usha, the apex sports body stated that it had received “numerous representations and complaints” about Yadav’s

conduct and functioning in his role as Member (Administration) of the panel.

“These complaints, received from a cross-section of stakeholders including athletes and officials, consistently point to instances of lack of collaborative functioning and conduct not in keeping with the standards of institutional propriety expected from a member entrusted with such responsibility,” the order said.

The IOA further stated, “In view of the above, and in the interest of ensuring smooth, fair, and effective functioning of the Ad-Hoc Committee, it is hereby ordered that Col. Ashok Yadav (Retd.) stands removed from the position of Member (Administration) of the Ad-Hoc Committee with immediate effect.”

Yadav, however, claimed he was ousted because he opposed what he described as attempts to favour certain riders and bypass established rules.

“There is a rider, Raju Singh, from the Madhya Pradesh Equestrian Academy. He took part in an FEI Eventing tournament in the UK from April 23-25. The rules require riders to inform the EFI that they are participating in a particular event and that it should be treated as their trial. He did not do that,” Yadav said.

“Later, Adhiraj Singh, the chief technical advisor, who was appointed without consultation, wanted us to consider his case because he had achieved the MER, but we refused. Why should we favour one rider over others? Rules are the same for everyone,” he added.

Yadav also alleged that differences within the committee intensified after Adhiraj Singh supposedly altered the selection rules.

“Adhiraj Singh also amended rules to allow four trial events instead of three. From that day, he began disliking me. They actually want to target Ashish Malik, who is a very talented Eventing rider,” Yadav alleged.

He further claimed that chairperson Yashodhara Raje Scindia had at one point exited the committee’s WhatsApp groups and threatened to resign.

“The selection criteria for the Asian Games is being changed every week. The selection criteria framed in October 2025 was well received by everyone, but they now want to target a few riders,” he alleged.

Yadav said he insisted that any modification to the selection policy should first be cleared by the chairperson.

“I told the selection committee that they need to get it approved by the chairperson, but nothing happened. IOA says it has to save its face and that if the chairperson resigns, it will reflect badly on the IOA. Since I am asking them to follow rules, they have removed me,” he said.

The retired officer also alleged a “conflict of interest” involving the Delhi Equestrian and Polo Association.

“Actually, there is a conflict of interest. Yashodhara ji is the founder of the Delhi Association and Adhiraj is president. And if you check the registered address of the Delhi Association, it is actually the residence of Yashodhara ji.

“I also told Yashodhara ji that the Delhi Equestrian and Polo Association has not held its elections in the last 29 years and that it is time they did so, since all state affiliates need to comply with the NSG Act,” he said.

Attempts were made to contact Adhiraj Singh and Yashodhara for a response, but they could not be reached.

Col Yadav said the IOA should produce the complaints made against him, but “they will not do that because there is none”.

The IOA added that a “suitable replacement” for the post would be announced soon in consultation with the chairperson of the ad-hoc committee.

(With Inputs From PTI)