Anees done in by rule changes: sponsor

By Our Special Correspondent

MUMBAI, MAY. 15. The matter of the qualification of three-day eventer Imtiaz Anees for the Sydney Olympics has taken another turn with one of the rider's sponsors coming to his defence. A letter from Royal Western India Turf Club committee member Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, who is also the managing director of Five Star Shipping which sponsors Anees, states that the rider has indeed qualified for the Olympics but did not have a confirmed berth in Sydney due to a change in the competition rules.

Referring to an article that appeared in The Hindu on April 14, he said, ``It is totally incorrect to state that Imtiaz failed to qualify for the Olympics.'' According to Mr. Dhunjibhoy, Imtiaz competed at the Adelaide International Three Star Three Day Event in November, 1999 with a clear round, which qualifies him to compete at the Olympic Games. At no stage has he mentioned in his press releases that he has been selected to ride, or for that matter that he has a confirmed seat in the Olympic Games.''

Dhunjibhoy goes on to state that Imtiaz is currently 207th in the World Olympic Ranking and that ranking is only given to riders, who have met the qualifying standards. ``We, as his sponsors are satisfied with his performances in Australia; and having been placed 13th among the top riders at the Adelaide Pre- Olympic trials, is certainly a great achievement... we are very proud that Imtiaz Anees is ranked in the world and for the first time an Indian has a world ranking. He is the second highest ranked Asian on the World Olympic Ranking list.''

According to the Australia-based rider's sponsor, Anees is now 18th on the wait-list for the Sydney Games, ``which no doubt is very far down the line, but those who know the sport well, will know that competing at this level and achieving a wait-list is again an achievement to be proud of.''

A change in the selection criteria for the Olympics, which has meant that a world ranking rather than nationality has left the Indian rider on the reserves list for participation. Mr. Dhunjibhoy adds, ``It is unfortunate that the F.E.I. has introduced from this year a different criterian for selection by ranking of competitors rather than judging by the qualifying standards. It is for us sponsors to continue supporting Imtiaz and to appraise F.E.I. that by its new rules it is discriminating against India and other under-developed countries. In fact, Imtiaz merits special consideration by the F.E.I.''

Trainer's testimony

The letter from Mr. Dhunjibhoy also includes a testimony from Anees' trainer two-time Australian Olympian Barry Roycroft. Roycroft said, ``Imtiaz has qualified to compete at the Olympic Games by meeting the F.E.I. standard, which all riders and horses as a combination must compete either in a four-star event championship; or a three-star event championship or CCI*** (three-star) with no more than 40 penalties on Phase-D. This, he must achieve, from 1st January the year preceding the Olympic Games until 1st March, 2000. Imtiaz has competed at the CCI*** in November, 1999, and hence has met the qualifying standard required for the Olympic Games.''

According to Mr. Dhunjibhoy, who also owns Niloni Stud farm, ``If it weren't for the World Olympic ranking criteria for selection of riders, he would be representing India at Sydney. There hasn't been an Indian rider on the world ranking list, or for that matter any rider on the wait-list for the Olympic Games.''

Anees had won a bronze medal at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games.

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