Indian athlete Seema creates history at World University Games wins silver in 5000m race

Indian athlete Seema etched her name into history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in the 5000m final at the World University Games currently underway in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. 

In her first-ever international medal in the 5000m, Seema delivered a stellar performance, finishing just behind Julia David‑Smith, who claimed gold with a season-best of 15:34.57. Seema’s time not only represents a major breakthrough for Indian women in long-distance running but also reflects consistent improvement in recent seasons.

In archery, Sahil Jadhav struck gold in the men’s compound individual event, leading India’s archers to an impressive five-medal finish. 

In a separate incident at the games, India’s sports representation was hit by a fresh controversy after six players of the Indian badminton squad were barred from the ongoing World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

As per reports, due to an administrative glitch by Indian officials, only half of the players were allowed to play at the event.

She went on to write, “We came all the way from India to represent our country in the World University Games 2025 in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. 12 badminton players were sent from India—selected, trained, and prepared. But only 6 were allowed to play, and the other 6 were left out. Why?”

“Because our Indian team officials failed to submit our names correctly,” she added.

After the player’s ordeal went viral, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on Tuesday suspended its joint secretary and ordered a probe into the matter.