Latest news with #FISUWorldUniversityGames2025


Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
AIU joint secretary suspended after gross mismanagement at World University Games
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. 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. 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. Adding to the selection blunders, AIU was also fined 1000 euros for flouting the jersey regulations in badminton. 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.


News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Probe panel set up after 6 Indian players barred from World University Games
Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has suspended its joint secretary and set up a four-member enquiry panel to probe lapses that left six Indian badminton players unable to compete at the ongoing World University Games in Germany, officials said on Tuesday. The probe was ordered amid growing outrage over the exclusion of selected athletes and designated coaches, as well as penalties imposed for non-compliant team jerseys. 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. 'In the interest of upholding accountability and procedural propriety, AIU hereby places Baljit Singh Sekhon, Joint Secretary under suspension with immediate effect," the AIU said in its order. There was no immediate reaction available from Sekhon. 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 panel has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. '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 order said. PTI GJS GJS KSS KSS (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 21:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Time of India
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Surreal feeling to wear India colours: Jeshua
Jeshua will be the first from the state to be part of the Indian Universities men's basketball team and compete against the best Panaji: Jeshua Antonio Pinto cannot contain his excitement as Goa's top player is set to don the India colours at the FISU World University Games 2025 which begins at the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region of Germany from Saturday. The 23-year-old will be the first from the state to be part of the Indian Universities men's basketball team and will compete against the best student-athletes in the world. 'It was a surreal feeling when I received the India kit,' Jeshua told TOI on a phone call from Germany. 'I understood the responsibility.' With over 10,000 participants from 150+ nations across 18 sports, this edition of the Games is being hailed as one of the largest multi-sport university events ever. Jeshua is currently pursuing his master's at the University of Kota, Rajasthan. His foundation was laid at the Lourdes Convent, Saligao, where mother and coach Helen Pinto polished the rough diamond at Lourdes Basketball Club. The men's basketball team underwent a high-intensity national camp at the Starting Five RSC Basketball Academy, Kochi. Gujarat's Krishnapalsinh Gohil will lead the team which is coached by Dhyan Chand awardee Ram Kumar. 'It was a hectic 15-day camp. There are players from different universities, but we managed to get along fast and built a strong bond. The facilities provided were great,' said Jeshua. India will face a tough challenge in group B, up against traditional powerhouses US, Romania, and Latvia. They will take on the US in the opening game on Saturday, followed by Romania the next day. India face Latvia in their last group match on Monday. 'We know we might be smaller in size than the other teams, but we will beat them in hustle and spirit. Pooled with the US, it will be an extremely tough match. Nevertheless, we will put up a tough fight. Romania and Latvia are comparatively easier but still tough opponents. We play to win each match and will go all out,' said Jeshua. A gold medallist at the Khelo India University Games 2023, a silver at the All-India University 3x3 Basketball Championship 2024, and selection to the Delhi Dribblers for the inaugural INBL U-25 League 2025, Jeshua has kept growing. He is now an inspiration for talented youngsters in the state, proving you can make far in the sport, if you stay focused. The Calangute resident remains grounded and knows he must catch the eye on the world stage. 'I'll get game time for sure, but it's all about the team and the situation. Whether I'm in or out, we must give our complete support to the team. Anything to get the win,' said Jeshua.


Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
RGU prof nominated as official of Indian Universities Athletics team
Itanagar: Rajiv Gandhi University's (RGU) faculty of physical education dean Prof Sambhu Prasad has been nominated by the Association of Indian Universities to serve as an official of the Indian Universities Athletics team for the FISU World University Games 2025. The Games is scheduled to be held in Germany from July 16 to 27 and over 8,500 student-athletes and officials from over 100 countries will compete for medals in 18 sports, making it one of the largest multi-sports events in the world. The 2025 FISU World University Games Summer will be hosted across the German cities of Bochum, Duisburg, Essen, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Hagen and Berlin. As part of the Indian delegation, Prof Prasad will play a vital role in the coordination and management of the Indian contingent, ensuring smooth operations and athlete support throughout the event. Prof Prasad's nomination marks a significant achievement not only for RGU but also for the entire northeastern region. "It is a great honour to represent RGU and to contribute to the growth of university sports on the International platform," Prof Prasad said. "This opportunity is not just a personal milestone, but also a proud moment for RGU, as we continue to inspire excellence in both education and sport," he added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Các chỉ số toàn cầu đang biến động — Đã đến lúc giao dịch! IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Over 300 Indian student-athletes from 61 universities, selected through rigorous nationwide trails involving more than 400 institutions, will compete in 18 sporting disciplines, including athletics, archery, swimming, basketball, table tennis, tennis, gymnastics, judo, volleyball and others including paralympic events like 3x3 wheelchair basketball. The Indian contingent's preparation and participation are being supported by the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), and the Odisha govt.


Time of India
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Seven Rajasthan cagers including women's team captain Yashika Singhal and Udaipur's Anshuman Shekhawat to compete at World University Games in Germany
Jaipur: Seven cagers from Rajasthan including women's team captain Yashika Singhal will represent Indian University basketball team in the FISU World University Games 2025 to be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from July 16 to 27. Besides Yashika Singhal, Sonal Mahala and Manvi Srivastava are part of the 12-member women's squad. There are as many as four Rajasthan players in the 12-member men's team, which will be led by Krishnapalsinh Gohil of Gujarat. Anshuman Shekhawat of Udaipur, Lokesh Kumar Sharma, Mohammed Ishan and Yash Vardhan Singh made it to the national varsity side on the basis of their exceptional skills. The women's team was trained by the former Indian team captain CV Sunny, while Dhyan Chand Awardee and former international Ram Kumar from Rajasthan guided the men's team. Both the Indian teams underwent a 15-day camp organised by Mahatma Gandhi University at the regional Sports Center, Kochi. The Indian basketball team played in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. After a long gap of 45 years, the Indian team is again going to play a world-level tournament. Representing Rajasthan University, the 24-year-old Anshuman Shekhawat participated in the National University Games held at the Patiala Punjabi University. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en Penco (ver precio) Verisure Alarmas Undo On the basis of his excellent performance, he got a place in the Indian team. Anshuman is currently playing for the senior team of Rajasthan. He also represented Rajasthan in the National Games held in Uttarakhand. His father Mahendra Singh Shekhawat has also been a player of the Indian basketball team and is employed in the Railways in Udaipur. Women's India is in Group A along with Finland, Argentina, and Czechia, while the men's team is in Group B which also has USA, Romania, and Latvia.