Pakistan equestrian selection row erupts ahead of 2026 Asian Games

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: The Asian Games, held every four years under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), bring together the continent’s elite athletes in one of the world’s largest multi-sport events. The next edition will be staged in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Pakistan is expected to feature in several disciplines, including equestrian, where France-based eventer Usman Khan has directly qualified for a fourth Asian Games appearance.
Usman, one of the most accomplished riders in Pakistan’s equestrian history, has twice qualified for the Olympic Games and four times for the Asian Games. However, he was not sent to compete in the previous three editions of the Asian Games despite securing qualification, raising questions about selection and representation within the national setup.
Equestrian in Pakistan is governed by the Equestrian Federation of Pakistan (EFP). Repeated attempts by this correspondent over the years to seek clarity on the federation’s workings and development plans have gone unanswered.
It remains unclear why Usman, despite meeting international benchmarks in previous cycles, did not feature in earlier Asian Games squads.
Fresh controversy has emerged after the EFP announced on its official Instagram account that Aaleen Bokhari’s entry for the 2026 Asian Games had been confirmed, describing it as a “historic milestone” and Pakistan’s first-ever dressage entry at the Games.
“The Equestrian Federation of Pakistan is proud to announce Pakistan’s first-ever dressage entry at the Asian Games 2026. This historic moment is a proud milestone for Pakistani equestrian sport. Join us in cheering for Aaleen as she makes history,” the federation said.
However, searches on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) database did not return competition records under Bokhari’s name.
Under FEI rules, riders must achieve Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) within a specified qualification period to compete at the Asian Games. According to an EFP circular dated January 31, 2026, the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) had sought entries in dressage, eventing and showjumping for the Asian Games.
“It is to notify that POA has asked for entries of athletes for the Asian Games in the disciplines of dressage, eventing and showjumping,” the EFP said in the circular, asking interested members to submit certification within seven days.
The circular stated that only athletes eligible to compete in FEI competitions and capable of attaining MERs would qualify for nomination. The qualification window runs from January 1, 2025 until the nomination entry deadline of June 22, 2026, when Certificates of Capability must be submitted.
It shows Aaleen will need to qualify.
Questions remain over whether the announced dressage entry has met criteria. The EFP has not publicly released details of Bokhari’s national or international achievements.
Transparency in selection is crucial, particularly at a time when women’s equestrian sport in Pakistan is widely regarded as underdeveloped. While representation at major events is important, it must be underpinned by merit and internationally verifiable results to safeguard the country’s sporting credibility.
With the Asian Games just a few months away, clarity from the federation could help settle concerns and ensure that Pakistan fields riders who meet established international standards.