GNDU Flags Eligibility Violations in KIUG Canoeing Events, Seeks Probe
GNDU has called for the immediate cancellation of all medals won by the alleged ineligible athletes from Chandigarh University, citing a serious breach of eligibility norms and the integrity of the sporting event.
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2026-01-08 16:37 GMT
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, has lodged a formal protest alleging serious irregularities in the Canoeing and Kayaking events of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG), accusing Chandigarh University of fielding ineligible athletes who went on to win medals.
In a complaint dated December 3, 2025, GNDU has written to the Director, Khelo India, the Technical and Organising Committees of KIUG, and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), seeking strict action against what it describes as violations of eligibility norms and sporting integrity.
According to GNDU, several Chandigarh University athletes participated in and won medals despite their names not being approved in the final eligibility list issued on November 20, 2023. GNDU stated that as per KIUG rules, the deadline for any changes in entries was November 13, 2023, after which no new names could be added or approved.
Despite being marked “Entry Not Approved” in the official eligibility list, GNDU alleged that the following Chandigarh University athletes competed and secured medals: Pooja in Women’s K4 1000m and 500m events, Achal Kacharu Shahar in Women’s K2 1000m and 500m events, and Konsam Yaiphatombi in Women’s K2 500m and 1000m events.
GNDU has demanded immediate cancellation and nullification of all medals and results won by these athletes.
The university also raised concerns over the conduct of the events, alleging that more than 30 Canoeing and Kayaking events were conducted instead of the internationally recognised 10 events. GNDU claimed this deviation unfairly benefited Chandigarh University and further alleged a conflict of interest, stating that the coordinator of the sport is associated with the same university.
GNDU further alleged that when its officials attempted to submit a protest during the event, organisers refused to accept the complaint.
Calling the matter a grave violation of sporting fairness and integrity, GNDU has demanded a high-level inquiry into Chandigarh University’s participation and the conduct of the event organisers.
The complaint has been signed by Dr Kanwar Mandeep Singh, Director of Sports, GNDU, and is supported by eligibility-related documents attached to the submission.