Six Indian shuttlers barred from World University Games over alleged admin lapse, probe launched

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.

Taking to social media, Alisha Khan, one of the players of the squad, wrote, “A human error shouldn’t ruin someone’s career.”

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.

She further added that at the manager’s meeting on July 16, the officials had a last chance to correct the mistake, but still they couldn’t rectify it. They only submitted six, forgetting the rest. As per FISU (International University Sports Federation) rules, 12 players are allowed, and they all were eligible.

“We travelled, we trained, we sacrificed, and yet we were denied the chance to even participate,” Khan wrote.

Notably, the six who played at the event won the mixed team bronze medal for India.

Khan noted that only the players who won will receive podium honours, merit certificates, government jobs, cash awards, and recognition. 

“The rest of us will return empty-handed—not because of lack of effort, but because of a careless blunder by the officials,” she added.

The player demanded accountability and justice from the authorities.

AIU suspends joint secretary

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.

An AIU order stated that in the interest of upholding “accountability and procedural propriety”, Joint Secretary Dr Baljit Singh Sekhon is under suspension.

In a separate order, AIU mentioned that a four-member inquiry committee will examine all relevant records and communications related to the registration and management of the Indian contingent at FISU.