Horse declared ‘unfit’ by EFI gets all-clear from Asian Games organisers

NEW DELHI: A horse declared “unfit” by the Equestrian Federation of India’s (EFI) ad-hoc committee in Germany has now been declared fit by Asian Games organisers in Japan, putting the spotlight on the veterinary assessment process used to determine Hriday Chheda’s participation in the continental event.Chheda’s 19-year-old horse, Dono Di Maggio, cleared the mandatory veterinary inspection ahead of Friday’s dressage competition, directly clearing the way for the rider to compete. The contrasting findings have left Chheda questioning why Dono was declared unfit in Aachen and whether the assessment ordered by the ad-hoc committee was fair.“My horse is perfectly fit and healthy as checked in the mandatory vet inspection by the organisers. This has been a relief. I’d like to thank Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha for supporting me and ensuring that I get my fair chance to compete here.