The Khelo India University Games–2025 in Rajasthan have turned into a major disappointment as poor participation and mismanagement overshadowed the athletics events that began on November 24. Several competitions saw such low turnout that gold, silver, and bronze medals could not be awarded.
In the women’s 400m race, only one athlete—Manisha from Kurukshetra University—reached the track out of five registered participants, resulting in no silver or bronze. The men’s 400m event saw only two of eight athletes compete. The women’s 5000m also had just two participants.
The biggest controversy erupted in the men’s 400m hurdles, where only Ruchit Mori from Swarnim Gujarat Sports University competed. Despite breaking the meet record with a 51.00-second run, he was denied the gold medal due to rules requiring at least two competitors.
Frustrated, Ruchit questioned why he should be penalized when others skipped the race, allegedly fearing doping tests.
Empty stands, missing athletes, and disorganized management have raised serious concerns about the credibility of the Games.
