Indian University Sports Crisis: Ministry Weighs Overhaul

New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The sports ministry is considering significant action against the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) following a "mismanagement" issue that led to India's embarrassment at the World University Games. A potential solution could be the establishment of a separate federation to oversee university-level sports administration.

The controversy emerged when the Indian badminton team, which recently secured a bronze at the Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, discovered that six of the 12 selected players were barred from participating. This issue arose because Indian officials failed to correctly submit all the players' names during the managers' meeting on July 16.

Additionally, quarter-miler Devyani Bazala alleged that she was unable to compete due to her name being omitted as a result of late alterations in the submission of the confirmation list.

The sports ministry is aware of these developments and is taking the matter seriously.

"Clearly, there are management challenges at play. The solution might be to establish a separate federation dedicated to handling university sports administration. Such lapses can hinder our efforts in developing high-potential athletes," a ministry source commented.

"It's unfortunate that this occurred, causing embarrassment for the country. A thorough investigation is underway," the source added.

The AIU, the primary body for university-level sports in India, acknowledged the badminton-related incident. Dr. Pankaj Mittal, the AIU's Secretary General, stated that the "matter is being investigated."

The affected athletes expressed their disappointment over the oversight.

"It's frustrating that officials don't acknowledge their errors or express remorse," said one athlete participating in the Games.

"The team traveled all this way, only for names to be missed during the manager's meeting. It’s incomprehensible how such a basic task could be neglected."

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