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News Topical, Digital Desk : University Games: The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy and the Khelo India University Games, considered the most prestigious emblems of university sports in the country, are currently under serious scrutiny. Allegations are rife that recent rule changes have undermined the fairness of the games and have disadvantaged public universities across the country, including Punjab, while disproportionately benefiting a private university owned by a BJP leader.
Last year, the rules were changed at the last minute to benefit the university owned by this same BJP leader. Before the change, this private university only received three medals. During the previous session, the university's medal count increased from three to 32, and in the current session, the number has increased to 42. This has sparked controversy in Punjab.
Sudden change in the rules of MAKA Trophy
For nearly 65 years, the MAKA Trophy has been awarded based on year-round performance. International tournaments, AIU championships, and consistent performance across various sports were given weightage. However, in the 2023–24 season, after the end of the sports season, the rules were abruptly changed. Previously, KIUG's weightage was only 10 to 15 percent, but it was retroactively increased to almost 100 percent. This meant that year-round performance, international competitions, and AIU competitions became virtually ineffective. This change directly benefited the universities that won the most gold medals at KIUG.
This is where the controversy deepens. Sports like canoeing and kayaking were suddenly included in the Khelo India Games in 2024–25. These decisions were made mid-season or late in the season, when most universities had already finalized their plans and budgets. While internationally, these sports have approximately 10 recognized Olympic events, at KIUG, they were expanded to nearly 30, including several non-Olympic categories. These are sports that are not commonly played in universities in Punjab, nor in most public universities in the country. These sports are expensive, requiring specialized infrastructure and significant funding, which only foreign institutions possess.
The chances of winning medals also increased manifold
It is alleged that this change in the rules was deliberately made to benefit a university with direct ties to a BJP leader. An unusually large number of events were also added to these Games, significantly increasing the chances of winning medals. This completely upset the balance of the medal table, and Punjab's universities were increasingly eliminated from the competition.
Further complicating the matter are questions raised about the players' entry. It's alleged that some players were allowed to compete after the deadline, even though their entries were not approved in the official list. This shouldn't have happened according to the rules, yet these players still participated in the competition and even won medals. This has raised questions about the transparency of the entire event.
The question also arises: when government funding is used in events like Khelo India, should rules be designed to favor a select few universities? The purpose of sports is to provide a level playing field, not to determine victory based on resources.
filed a formal complaint and demanded an investigation
Guru Nanak Dev University, a leading government university in Punjab, has filed a formal complaint demanding an investigation into these changes. The complaint states that continuing to conduct competitions under such rules will undermine both the integrity of the sport and the dignity of national recognition like the MAKA Trophy.
All eyes are now on the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India. The question is whether these changes to the rules will be investigated impartially, or whether this matter will simply be swept under the rug.
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