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The World University Games, which is set to get underway in Germany, is considered as one of the flagship tournaments in order to promote youth talent on a global level. It provides a global platform as the participants are someone who is 18 to 25 years of age and officially registered as pursuing a degree at a college or a similar institute, or have received an academic degree or diploma in the year ahead of the competition.
But ahead of the upcoming Games, the candidates of the Indian contingent are facing a major hurdle. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has reportedly demanded INR 2.5 Lakh from each of selected candidates. As per a report by The Bridge, AIU circular dated May 8 stated that the selected players will have to pay INR 2.5 Lakh to compete in the World University Games.
Arrangement of funds became hindrance in candidates’ participation
The report also adds that due to this amount demanded by AIU, many athletes, who wished to participate in the Games withdrew their participation. According to the report, despite making the cut, many candidates were unable to arrange the funds before the deadline of May 19 and as a result were forced to cancel their participation.
In the report, Tamana, a student athlete from Punjab commented, as quoted by The Bridge, “I wasn’t able to arrange funds before the deadline of May 19. The AIU made it clear in its circular that those selected for the World University Games should deposit INR 2.5 Lakh before the deadline of May 19 otherwise they will not be entertained.” Notably, Tamana earned a place in the women’s 4x100m relay for the University Games.
AIU Joint Secretary (Sports), Baljit Singh Sekhon opened up on the prime focus of holding the Games, stating, “Our primary focus at the moment is to send the team to Germany.” According to the report, Baljit Singh is one of the officials travelling with the Indian contingent, and when he was asked to disclose who will fund the travel, boarding and lodging expenses of the officials, he remained tight-lipped and refused to comment.
AIU to field players in more than 10 disciplines
The 32nd Summer World University Games 2025 will be held in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany from July 16 to 27. In the event, the AIU will field teams in more than 10 disciplines, including athletics and archery.
The event will also cover various other events such as, 3x3 basketball, 3X3 wheelchair basketball, artistic gymnastics, badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, fencing, judo, rhythmic gymnastics, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, and water polo.
