HC seeks BAI's reply on over-aged players in badminton

The Delhi High Court has asked the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to verify whether over-aged players were allowed to participate in the under-17 and under-19 national level tournaments.
Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, however, refused to restrain the two players, alleged to be over-aged, who have participated in All India Junior Boys and Girls Under-17 and Under-19 Ranking Badminton Tournament 2016 at Thiruvananthapuram, as the event already ended on June 25.
"Such interim order cannot be granted as the tournament is over. However, the respondent (BAI) should verify whether any over-aged players were allowed to participate in the national level badminton tournaments and file their report by July 19," the court said.

It was hearing a plea by a 15-year-old badminton player's father seeking directions to comply with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports regarding age restriction.
Uttar Pradesh resident Issac Paul, in his petition alleged that his son could not get a chance to go to Kerala for the under-19 games after the two over-aged players defeated him in selection trials.
He alleged that the two were not below 19 years and had obtained fake age certificates, which should be verified by the authorities concerned and till that time they should be barred from playing the games.

The petitioner also alleged that BAI, which is the governing body for the sport in India, has also failed to take note of his complaint.
Taking note of which the court said on "mere allegation" levelled by the petitioner, the two cannot be restrained, but, if they are over-aged, then they will not be playing in the next tournament.
Paul has also sought action against over-aged players as this was contrary to the Ministry's rule issued in 2009.