Imphal/Jaipur : A controversy has erupted during the ongoing 69th National School Games in Imphal after members of the Rajasthan school Wushu team alleged serious security lapses, administrative mismanagement and extortion by suspected armed militants while returning from Manipur.

Despite an award-winning performance at the national-level competition, the young athletes claimed they were left stranded without proper travel arrangements and were ultimately forced to depend on their parents to return home safely.

According to the team, the Rajasthan contingent comprised 52 participants. The girls’ team secured first place, while the boys’ team finished second-achievements the players said should have been followed by dignified and secure logistical support. However, a team member alleged that only 24 train tickets were arranged for the return journey, none of them confirmed, leaving a large section of the contingent without assured travel.

The players said the lack of confirmed tickets compelled them to travel in distressing conditions. Some alleged they were forced to sit near train toilets due to overcrowding and unreserved travel, carrying their trophies alongside them. The athletes expressed anguish over what they described as a complete lack of respect for sportspersons who had represented their state at a national platform.

The situation reportedly worsened when parents intervened and booked premium tickets at their own expense to ensure their children’s safe return. Players questioned why, despite winning medals for Rajasthan, they were denied basic entitlements such as secure, organised travel arrangements.

A parent accompanying the team strongly criticised the authorities, alleging gross mismanagement by the department responsible for overseeing the event. The parent claimed that officials and observers deputed to review arrangements left Imphal without ensuring that the team-particularly the female players-had safely departed.

More seriously, the parent alleged that during the journey the team was stopped and threatened at gunpoint by suspected armed Kuki militants, who allegedly demanded money. No injuries were reported, but the allegation has raised concerns over the safety of student athletes travelling through conflict-affected areas.

The claims have triggered calls for an immediate inquiry into the conduct of the event organisers, the role of supervising authorities and the adequacy of security and logistical arrangements for national-level school competitions. As of now, there has been no official response from the organising authorities regarding the allegations of extortion, mismanagement or failure to ensure the safe return of the Rajasthan team.

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