Age fraud: 3 Hyderabad players submit fake DoB certificates to join badminton leagues

Hyderabad: Tremors have hit the Badminton Association of India (BAI) after three players from Hyderabad allegedly fudged age and submitted fake DoB certificates to get into the sporting leagues.

The three players are part of 40 sportspersons who may have also submitted fake age proofs.

The Detective Department of the Hyderabad City Police has written to Gopichand Pullela, General Secretary, Telangana Badminton Association Hyderabad alleging that the three players submitted fake age proofs to the Badminton Association of India (BAI).

The report was submitted to the TBA after receiving an anonymous petition on March 29, alleging that some badminton players had submitted fake age certificates to the BAI to participate in lower age categories and win medals.

According to the petition, several complaints were lodged with the BAI about over-aged players competing unfairly, but no action was taken against them.

The players identified in the petition are Davu Venkata Siva Naga Ram Mounish, Bhukya Nishath, A.R. Rohan Kumar, Himabindu Syamala Rao, Renushri Syamala Rao, and Deepshika Neredimelli. Additionally, about 40 more players are suspected of providing medical certificates instead of genuine birth certificates to gain undue advantages. Many of them being born between 2005 and 2010s seem to be submitted.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detective Department said: “The anonymous petitioner presented evidence including BAI IDs, dates of birth, and original and fake certificates of three players: Davu Venkata Siva Naga Ram Mounish, Bhukya Nishath, and A.R. Rohan Kumar. I instructed K. Chandra Kumar, Inspector of Police, SZCT-South Zone, CCS, DD, Hyderabad to enquire. In his investigation, it was confirmed that these players had indeed submitted false age proofs.”

According to findings, Davu Venkata Siva Naga Ram Mounish's actual date of birth is 04.06.2006, but he had submitted a fraudulent certificate showing his DoB 29.01.2007. Similarly, Bhukya Nishath's actual date of birth is 12.01.2007, but the fake certificate displayed the DoB as 12.10.2010. A.R. Rohan Kumar's actual birth date is 29.10.2005, but the counterfeit document showed 29.01.2007.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detective Department, Hyderabad, has sent the petition and evidence to the Telangana Badminton Association, urging them to take necessary action against the players involved in the age fraud. The goal is to ensure fair play and protect the interests of genuine athletes.