The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended its joint secretary, Baljit Singh Sekhon, due to administrative mismanagement during the World University Games in Germany, which resulted in six selected Indian shuttlers being unable to participate.
Sekhon, who led the Indian delegation, allegedly submitted incomplete athlete information during the July 16 managers’ meeting, resulting in half of the 12-member badminton squad being barred. Despite not playing, the athletes — including Rohan Kumar, Darshan Pujari, Aditi Bhatt, Abhinash Mohanty, Viraj Kuvale, and Alisha Khan — were later awarded medals and certificates after AIU negotiated with the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
Adding to the controversy, athlete Devyani Bazala reported that she, too, missed her event due to last-minute alterations by Indian officials.
AIU has formed a three-member inquiry committee led by Vice Chancellor Anil Kumar Kalkal to investigate the issue. “To ensure impartiality, we suspended Sekhon. The panel will report within 15 days,” said AIU Secretary General Dr. Pankaj Mittal.
Reacting strongly, the Sports Ministry called for a revamp of university sports governance. A source stated, “University sport is our best bet to identify high-potential athletes. Mismanagement like this is unacceptable.”
The Games conclude on July 27.
