On the directive of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended joint secretary Baljit Singh Sekhon after controversies related to mismanagement in athletes participation emerged from the ongoing World University Games in Rhine Ruhr, Germany.
Sekhon is head of the Indian delegation and currently in Germany. He was one of the key officials responsible for shortlisting officials accompanying the Indian contingent for the July 16 to 27 World University Games.
The administrative panel of AIU, in an order dated 22 July 2025, has set up a four-member panel to probe the criticism that has embarrassed the nation on a global stage.
“In view of the communication dated 21 July 2025 received from the Office of the Executive Director, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and recent reports published by various national media outlets concerning the reported non-inclusion of Indian athletes, exclusion of designated coaches, procedural lapses in the registration process, and penalties imposed for non-compliance with jersey specifications during the FISU World University Games 2025 (Germany), the Hon’ble President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)… hereby place Dr. Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary under suspension with immediate effect,” the letter in possession of The Indian Express read.
The four-member panel set by AIU on Tuesday will probe official apathy and mismanagement at the ongoing World University Games in Germany and will have to submit its inquiry report within 15 days.
Earlier on Tuesday, Association of Indian Universities (AIU) had come under the scanner of the Sports Ministry following allegations of ‘mismanagement and incompetence’ at the ongoing World University Games in Germany.
The Ministry wants to revamp the organisation after introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.
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The bronze-winning Indian badminton squad at the ongoing Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, found itself in controversy when it came to light that six of the 12 chosen players were barred from participating after Indian officials failed to submit all names correctly during the managers’ meeting on July 16.
“It is clear that the body is unable to manage University sports. University sports is our best bet to create world-class athletes and still there are so many gaps leading to mismanagement,” a sports ministry source said.
“A revamp is needed and the solution is to have a proper functioning federation instead of nodal bodies to operate University sports,” the source added.
While AIU and Sports Games Federation of India (SGFI) are not counted as National Sports Federations (NSFs), they remain the representative bodies for events like World University Games conducted by International University Sports Federation.
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Apart from the badminton gaffe, athletics also suffered as names were removed from the start list at the last moment.
Quarter-miler Devyaniba Zala took to Instagram to point out that her name went missing from the start list at the last moment. “I was told that I will run in 400m and Relays when they selected me for the University Games. However, my name was not present in the start list for the 400m due to the causal approach,” Zala told The Indian Express over a phone call. “I was in good shape to run my personal best and have been preparing for this event for a long time,” she added.
Similar to Zala, Federation Cup silver medalist Seema couldn’t compete in the 10,000m event as her name was missing too from the entry list.
Fined for Jersey Infringement
Adding to the selection blunders, AIU was also fined 1000 euros for flouting the jersey regulations in badminton.
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As per the BWF rules, the last name, as recorded in the BWF database, and if desired, the initials of first name can be printed on the back of a jersey. The same rule was followed at the 2025 World University Games.
However, in a violation of the rule, the Indian jerseys had full names of the players printed on the back. “This is gross negligence and ignorance,” a player said on the condition of anonymity.
The efforts to reach AIU officials via phone and text went unanswered.
