Threats Target Indian Shuttlers at World University Games, Probe Underway

Indian Badminton Players Threatened After Exposing Mismanagement at World University Games.

What should have been a historic campaign for India’s badminton contingent at the World University Games in Germany has spiraled into controversy, with several players alleging threats and severe mismanagement by team officials.

India clinched its first-ever medal in the mixed team event at the Games on Monday, July 21. Led by World No. 47 Sathish Kumar Karunakaran, the six-member squad — Devika Sihag, Saneeth Dayanand, Tasnim Mir, Varshini Viswanath Sri, and Vaishnavi Khadkekar — secured a bronze medal.

However, the celebratory mood was short-lived. Multiple players told India Today that they were threatened with career-ending consequences after raising concerns about administrative lapses.

“Told Our Careers Will End”
At least six squad members alleged they were warned to remain silent or face repercussions once they returned to India.

“We’ve been told our BAI IDs will be revoked, and we’ll be banned from future competitions,” one player said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “All the players — those who played and those who didn’t — are united. We’ve all suffered due to mismanagement.”

Only Half the Team Allowed to Play
The controversy was triggered when player Alisha Khan publicly accused officials of negligence. She revealed that only six out of the 12-member squad were allowed to compete because team managers BV Rao and Rashmi Ramachandra failed to submit the full list of names at the mandatory managers’ meeting.

As a result, six players — Rohan Kumar, Darshan Pujari, Aditi Bhatt, Abhinash Mohanty, Viraj Kuvale, and Alisha Khan — were excluded from all matches. They said they only discovered their omission when the official team list for the first round was published.

“When we asked why we weren’t listed, the managers casually said they forgot to include our names,” said one player. Attempts to get FISU (International University Sports Federation) to correct the error were unsuccessful, as the deadline had already passed.

Head of delegation Baljeet Singh later claimed that the “strongest” players had been chosen to maximize medal chances — a claim strongly refuted by the players.

No Practice Courts, No Shuttles, No Physio
According to team members, mismanagement extended far beyond registration errors. Players said they had no practice courts before the tournament began because officials failed to reserve any. Nor were shuttles arranged, forcing players to use their own or borrow used ones from other teams.

The Indian squad also lacked a team physiotherapist, leading players to self-manage injuries. World No. 98 Saneeth Dayanand is nursing a swollen ankle and is unlikely to play in the upcoming individual events.

Alisha Khan’s Emotional Statement
In a powerful Instagram post, Alisha Khan wrote:

“Six players gave their all and made history. But only they will receive podium honours, cash awards, and recognition. The rest of us return empty-handed — not because we didn’t deserve to play, but because officials failed to do their job.”

Calls for Accountability
The World University Games episode has sparked widespread concern about athlete welfare and transparency in Indian sports administration. That young athletes allegedly face threats for speaking up has prompted calls for independent oversight and reform.

Despite repeated efforts, team officials have yet to issue a detailed explanation or apology.