Age Verification Rules Tightened: BAI Take Steps to Combat Fraud
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Badminton Association of India (BAI) have introduced stringent measures to address growing concerns over age fraud in age-group competitions. The new guidelines aim to ensure transparency, fairness and credibility in player eligibility processes.
Vaccination Proof and Annual Fees Mandated
To combat fraudulent age certificates players will now be required to provide proof of vaccination from their place of birth as part of age verification. Additionally, an annual registration system has been introduced. Players must pay ₹1,000 annually with fees for international and national IDs set at ₹5,000 and ₹3,000 respectively. Deactivated IDs will require a ₹3,000 reissuance fee.
Revised Age Verification Rules
Under BAI’s revised circular, players born after 2010 whose birth was not registered within a year must submit additional mandatory documents. These include:
Birth certificate
School records (KG to present)
Bona fide certificate from the current school
AADHAAR cards of the player and their parents
Siblings' birth certificates
Vaccination records
Hospital discharge reports
Players with birth certificates issued in the same year of birth must also provide a medical certificate authorized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
Marriage Registration Relief Under Consideration
The BAI is reviewing its requirement for marriage registration certificates for parents and players, acknowledging challenges in obtaining these documents. Relief in this area is being actively considered.
Ensuring Fair Play in Competitions
Speaking on the initiative, Ajay Singhania, Vice President of BAI, emphasized the importance of curbing age fraud. "With instances of players holding multiple Aadhaar cards with conflicting ages tightening these rules is essential for the sport’s integrity."
Similarly, BAI’s General Secretary Sanjay Mishra stated, "These measures are designed to uphold the integrity of the game and maintain fairness in competitions."
Commitment to Transparency and Credibility
BAI’s initiatives aim to implement a fair system while streamlining the ID issuance process. The revised circulars and updated regulations are expected to enhance the credibility of age-based badminton competitions in India. State units and affiliated associations have been urged to comply with these new guidelines, which reflect the badminton governing bodies' commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the sport.
