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The sports ministry may act against the Association of Indian Universities after mismanagement at the World University Games.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (X)
Angered by the “mismanagement” that led to India’s embarrassment at the World University Games, the sports ministry is contemplating action against the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) by establishing a separate federation to manage university-level sports.
The Indian badminton squad, which won bronze at the ongoing Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, faced controversy when it was revealed that six of the 12 selected players were barred from participating due to Indian officials’ failure to correctly submit all names during the managers’ meeting on July 16.
Additionally, female quarter-miler Devyani Bazala alleged she could not compete as her name went “missing because of late alteration by officials in submitting the confirmation list”.
The ministry has noted these developments, as per reliable sources.
“Clearly, they are unable to manage the affairs properly. Probably, the solution is a separate federation to handle administration. A revamp is needed because university sport is our best bet to find high-potential athletes,” a ministry source said.
“It is obviously sad that something like this happened and the country was embarrassed. This will be thoroughly looked into,” he added.
What Is AIU?
The AIU, the nodal body for university-level sports in the country, acknowledged the incident related to badminton, and its secretary general, Dr Pankaj Mittal, said the “matter is being investigated.”
The athletes, meanwhile, expressed their frustration over the lapses.
“The frustrating thing is the officials don’t even admit their mistakes or show any remorse,” an athlete competing at the Games had said after the fiasco.
“…the team travelled all the way, and yet in the manager’s meeting they missed out names. I don’t know how it is possible to overlook such a basic responsibility.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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