NEW DELHI: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on Tuesday suspended its joint secretary and constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate serious administrative lapses that left six Indian badminton players unable to compete at the ongoing World University Games in Germany.The move follows a communication from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and growing outrage over the exclusion of selected athletes and designated coaches, as well as penalties imposed for non-compliant team jerseys.“In the interest of upholding accountability and procedural propriety, … AIU hereby places Dr. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary under suspension with immediate effect,” the AIU said in its order.A separate order issued on Tuesday stated: “An Inquiry Committee has been constituted to examine all relevant records and communications related to the registration and management of the Indian contingent at the FISU World University Games 2025. The Committee shall determine the facts concerning the non-inclusion of selected athletes, exclusion of designated coaches, and penalties imposed by event organizers. It will also identify any procedural lapses, fix responsibility, and recommend appropriate corrective and disciplinary measures.” The panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.The controversy erupted after only six of the 12 selected Indian badminton players were allowed to participate in the mixed team event because officials allegedly failed to submit all names correctly during the managers’ meeting on July 16.Sources alleged that the debacle stemmed from “systematic irregularities” beginning at the selection trials held in April at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar. “During the managers’ meeting, officials were handed a letter listing all 12 players. It was their responsibility to verify, confirm and adjust names for singles, doubles and mixed events. Instead, they submitted only six names, leaving the others ineligible,” a source said.“This isn’t just mismanagement, it’s career sabotage. We demand answers and accountability,” wrote Alisha Khan, one of the excluded players, on Instagram.Despite the setback, India’s depleted squad won bronze in the mixed team event. However, players alleged deeper issues, citing errors in jerseys, lack of a proper coach, and misleading assurances about participation in individual events.An AIU official said the matter is under investigation but refused to comment further.
