India wins 3 bronze medals at 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup in Jordan
Synopsis
India's uniformed forces — Army, Assam Rifles, ITBP, and Haryana Police — combined to claim three bronzes at the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup in Aqaba. The standout story: a police constable as national coach and an ASI on the field, proving India's police forces are punching above their weight on the global equestrian sport circuit.
Key Takeaways
India won three bronze medals at the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup in Aqaba, Jordan , held from 11–14 November 2026 .
The six-member Indian team comprised players from the Indian Army , Assam Rifles , ITBP , and Haryana Police .
ASI Jitender Kumar (Haryana Police) represented India as a team player; Head Constable Suresh Kumar served as national coach.
Dinesh Karlekar was the team's top individual performer, winning two of the three bronze medals in individual events.
The championship featured 10 countries including Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.
Haryana Police DGP Ajay Singhal congratulated the team and reaffirmed the department's commitment to nurturing police athletes at international level.
The Indian team claimed three bronze medals at the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup held in Aqaba, Jordan, from 11 to 14 November 2026, with Haryana Police personnel playing a central role in the country's podium finish. The tournament drew teams from 10 nations, making it one of the most competitive editions of the championship.
Haryana Police at the Forefront
ASI Jitender Kumar of Haryana Police represented India as a team player, while Head Constable Suresh Kumar shouldered the responsibility of national coach — a dual contribution that drew particular attention from the department. Their inclusion underscores a growing recognition of police personnel as elite sportspeople beyond their law enforcement duties.
Haryana Police Director General of Police Ajay Singhal congratulated both officers, stating that 'representing the country at the international level is a matter of immense pride and honour for every sportsperson.' He added that the achievements of police personnel in sports 'not only strengthen the positive image of the department but also inspire other police personnel and young people to pursue sports.'
Team Composition and Standout Performers
The six-member Indian contingent was drawn from across the country's uniformed services — two players from the Assam Rifles, two from the Indian Army, one from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and one from Haryana Police. The team was captained by Dhanraj.
Among the standout performers, Dinesh Karlekar delivered an exceptional run, winning two bronze medals in individual events. ITBP's Amit Chhetri was part of the bronze medal-winning team, alongside Bonge Ganesh, Sandeep Kumar, and Jitender Kumar.
A Competitive Field of 10 Nations
The championship featured teams from India, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, and Yemen. Competitors showcased equestrian precision, speed, and technical skill across multiple tent pegging disciplines — a sport with deep military and equestrian heritage across South Asia and West Asia.
Significance for Indian Police Sport
This performance is consistent with Haryana's reputation as one of India's foremost states for sports development within its security forces. DGP Singhal expressed confidence that Haryana Police sportspersons would 'continue to excel in national and international competitions,' signalling that institutional support for police athletes will be sustained and expanded. The department has committed to providing better opportunities for its personnel at both national and international levels.
Point of View
But the more telling story is structural: India's international tent pegging team is entirely drawn from uniformed services — Army, paramilitary, and police. That reflects both the sport's military heritage and a wider gap: without civilian or Olympic-pathway investment, tent pegging risks remaining a niche discipline sustained by institutional rather than grassroots support. Haryana Police's dual contribution — an athlete and a national coach — is commendable, but DGP Singhal's aspirations for further glory will require more than departmental pride; they will need dedicated training infrastructure and competitive exposure year-round.
NationPress
15 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup?
The ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup is an international equestrian sport championship organised under the International Tent Pegging Federation (ITPF). The 5th edition was held in Aqaba, Jordan, from 11 to 14 November 2026, drawing teams from 10 countries across South Asia, West Asia, and Africa.
How did India perform at the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup?
India won three bronze medals at the championship. Dinesh Karlekar was the standout performer, claiming two individual bronze medals, while the team also secured a bronze as a collective unit.
What was Haryana Police's role in the Indian team?
Haryana Police contributed in two key capacities: ASI Jitender Kumar competed as a member of the six-person Indian contingent, while Head Constable Suresh Kumar served as the national coach, responsible for player preparation and technical training.
Which countries participated in the 5th ITPF Tent Pegging World Cup?
Ten countries competed in the championship: India, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, and Yemen.
Who were the members of the Indian tent pegging team at the 2026 World Cup?
The six-member Indian team was captained by Dhanraj and included Bonge Ganesh, Sandeep Kumar, Dinesh Karlekar, ASI Jitender Kumar (Haryana Police), and Amit Chhetri (ITBP). The contingent was drawn from the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, ITBP, and Haryana Police.
