Rajasthan Badminton Age Scandal: 13 of 20 National Picks Found Over-Age

Jaipur (The Uttam Hindu): The problem of age misrepresentation among players in the Rajasthan Badminton Association continues unabated. Parents continue to express their concerns about the participation of over-age athletes, and still, the association appears to be sleepless. The latest incident occurred at the state tournament held in Ajmer. National matches for the Under-13 category are scheduled from November 28 to 30, followed by the Under-11 matches from December 4 in Jammu, with 20 players selected. Most of these were over-age.

A section of parents had lodged protests against the association, and under duress, the association conducted medical tests on the players. The results revealed that 13 out of the 20 players actually were over-age, and evidence of tampering was seen in their birth certificates. However, on account of this, the finalization of the team could not be done, even though the team is asked to reach Jammu by November 25. As a result, the confusion among the players has got an extension due to failure to do timely medical assessments for the new team.

It should be noted that this is not the first incidence of age falsification within the badminton association. Such cases have arisen in both state and national competitions over time. Since the offenses were pinpointed to some players, no sanction has been meted out nor have the players been banned. Rather, the players are allowed to pull out from the tournament. By law, erred players who commit age fraud should be banned. Parents contend that this situation is occurring with the association's tacit approval.

Identified in State, Yet No Sanction: 8 Players Excluded from Ongoing Tournament in 2023

The state tournament for Under-11 and Under-13 was held in Ajmer from October 11 to 16. Eleven parents lodged formal protests against certain players. Following this pressure, the association took action and confirmed that one player was over-age. Rather than imposing a ban, the player was allowed to exit the tournament.

The association was given the responsibility of choosing 16 players for the Under-11 and Under-13 National Tournament in Jammu. For this, 20 players were short-listed in Ajmer.