The opening ceremony of the FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 was held on July 16 in Duisburg, Germany
NEW DELHI: An interim inquiry into the Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games 2025 fiasco has uncovered a disturbing pattern of corruption, nepotism, regional bias, moral misconduct and procedural lapses within Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The lapses – including unauthorised foreign travel, suspicious financial transactions, misuse of authority, biased selections and failures to register qualified athletes – not only embarrassed India internationally but also denied student-athletes crucial competitive opportunities.The four-member committee headed by Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya vice-chancellor Alok Kumar Chakrawal, in its interim report accessed by the TOI, found strong evidence of dereliction of duty and possible financial misconduct by suspended joint secretary (sports) Baljit Singh Sekhon.“There appear to be instances indicative of dereliction of duties, failure to discharge duties, breach of responsibility, nonfeasance, negligence, failure to act,” the report noted. Multiple unexplained deposits were found in Sekhon’s bank account in June 2025 – transactions “potentially linked to his official capacity.” The committee also flagged conflicting statements regarding who funded his Germany trip. When contacted, Sekhon said since he is under suspension it would not be correct to make any comment. Another suspended official, Gaurav Rai, is accused of facilitating the inclusion of his PhD guide – a yoga expert – in the Indian contingent even though yoga was not part of the Games. He allegedly accepted travel sponsorship from KIIT University without approval, amounting to “unauthorised financial benefit.” The committee said “repeated non-compliance with established protocols… may be construed as gross disobedience, blatant insubordination,” recommending termination under AIU rules.The report also raised ethical concerns involving former joint secretary, AIU, Binu George Varghese, citing a complaint that he “shared a twin-room accommodation with a female official” during the 2023 Chengdu Games – behaviour termed “a case of moral turpitude.” It further noted that “officials from the South Zone were disproportionately appointed” as basketball coaches and managers, indicating “regional bias” and “neglect of national integration principles.” Varghese didn’t respond to calls and text message for his comments. According to AIU sources, the general council on Oct 24, 2025 decided to repatriate Varghese and terminate Rai.The inquiry followed nationwide outrage over India’s mishandled participation at WUG 2025 in Germany, where several selected athletes were unable to compete due to administrative lapses. In badminton, six players were barred after only half the names were submitted. India’s bronze-winning mixed team had just six of its 12 players on the podium. Athletes across sports called the fiasco “career sabotage,” prompting the Sports Authority of India to intervene.Operational failures included a Rs 1,000-per-match fine for jersey violations, no pre-booked practice courts and athletes borrowing shuttlecocks. AIU did not fund designated coaches, leaving players without support staff.While interim, the report warns of “multiple areas of concern that merit deeper investigation,” underscoring systemic failures that cost athletes their rightful place on the world stage.
