Updated July 23rd 2025, 14:03 IST

The Association of Indian Universities has suspended its joint secretary, Baljit Singh Sekhon, after controversy rocked the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, as per reports. Six badminton players missed out on taking part in the tournament due to an administrative blunder. In the manager's meeting on July 16, officials failed to submit six names properly, leading to the entire fiasco.
As per the norm, all the members of the badminton contingent will be given medals and certificates, the AIU has confirmed.
AIU Secretary General Dr Pankaj Mittal told a news agency that an inquiry panel has been formed to investigate the matter, and it will submit its report within 15 days. He also added that athletes who were left out will be awarded medals and certificates after a discussion with Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU).
Rohan Kumar, Darshan Pujari, Aditi Bhatt, Abhinash Mohanty, Viraj Kuvale, and Alisha Khan were part of the designated 12-member team but didn't get a chance to play due to the blunder. As per reports Pujariu even wrote an email to the Badminton Association of India demanding an investigation into the matter.
As per reports, BV Rao and Ajit Mohan attended the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) meeting in which the mishap happened, and AIU has confirmed the development as things stand.
Earlier, shuttler Alisha Khan accused the authorities of negligence and cover-up after Baljeet Singh that the coaches decided to go with a stronger team in a bid to win medals at the World University Games. She took to Instagram to hit out, "Lies, Lies and Lies.
“Setting the record straight. The truth from the players. It's extremely disappointing to see Mr Baljeet Singh now defending the situation by claiming it was a “pre-decided decision by the coaches” to send a strong team.”
The issue started from the selection trials held at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, as there were reports of systemic irregularities.
Published July 23rd 2025, 12:11 IST