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 shortling officials accompanying the Indian contingent for the July 16 to 27 World University Games.
The adminrative 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.
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“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 various national media outlets concerning the reported non-inclusion of Indian athletes, exclusion of designated coaches, procedural lapses in the regration 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)… here 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 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 Minry following allegations of ‘mismanagement and incompetence’ at the ongoing World University Games in Germany.
The Minry wants to revamp the organisation after introduction of the National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament on Wednesday.Story continues below this ad
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 minry 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 International University Sports Federation.Story continues below this ad
Apart from the badminton gaffe, athletics also suffered as names were removed from the start l at the last moment.
Quarter-miler Devyaniba Zala took to Instagram to point out that her name went missing from the start l 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 l 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 medal Seema couldn’t compete in the 10,000m event as her name was missing too from the entry l.
Fined for Jersey Infringement
Adding to the selection blunders, AIU was also fined 1000 euros for flouting the jersey regulations in badminton.Story continues below this ad
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.