Equestrian state associations, for long neglected by the Equestrian Federation of India (EFI), have formed a five-member committee to push the EFI to be compliant with the National Sports Development Code of India 2011 and to ensure that the equestrian athletes do not suffer from neglect.

As many as 22 state equestrian associations met in Bangalore on Saturday to draw up a roadmap to improve the sport in India. Karnataka Equestrian Association president Jitu Virwani was named the chairman of the panel.

Arjuna Awardee and three-time Asian Games bronze medallist Col Rajesh Pattu (Retd.), who is the convenor of the panel, said: “Ours will be an attempt to showcase the rising popularity of the sport across the country. The significant support from the private sector in facilitating India’s twin silver medals in the Asian Games in 2018 is an indication of the growing investment,” Col Pattu said.

The five-member committee will also seek the guidance of the Indian Olympic Association through the state Olympic Associations to improve the functioning of the equestrian association in each state.