‘Funds insufficient’: Indian equestrian riders forced to pay for hay, bedding and fodder ahead of Asian Games

NEW DELHI: Indian equestrian riders preparing for the Asian Games have been left to arrange hay, bedding and fodder for their horse combinations, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)-appointed ad-hoc committee running the sport citing a shortage of govt funds.The financial strain has added to the riders’ burden at a crucial stage of their preparations, forcing them to source essential feed from stores and stables and pay from their own pockets.A mail accessed by TOI, signed by Lt Col Sandeep Dewan, member (administration), ad-hoc committee and team leader of the equestrian contingent, states that funds released by the govt to the national federation have been insufficient even to clear the bill of transporter Peden Bloodstock. The federation, the mail adds, has covered the shortfall from its own funds.“We regret to inform you that the government has so far not released any funds for payment of feed and other expenses related to the maintenance of the horses whilst in Japan,” Dewan wrote.The riders have been asked to purchase hay, bedding and other stable requirements directly and claim reimbursement from the federation, which will subsequently seek govt clearance and payment.The financial uncertainty extends beyond Japan. Riders told TOI that they had personally borne expenses for food, travel, accommodation and quarantine fees during their horses’ mandatory quarantine in Aachen, Germany.Reimbursements for pre-quarantine tests, blood and swab tests, horse transportation, athlete accommodation and groom accommodation also remain pending.“Timely support on these essential matters is extremely important for us to focus completely on our performance,” a rider said. For a contingent preparing to represent India at the continental stage, the unresolved payments have become an unwelcome distraction from the sporting challenge ahead.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.