Indian athletes kicked out of Asian Youth Games in China for being over age

NEW DELHI — In another embarrassment for India’s Olympic committee, 17 Indian track and field athletes have been kicked out of the Asian Youth Games in China because they are over the age limit.

The Athletics Federation of India says the athletes were born in 1996, while the rules stipulate that only athletes born in 1997 or later — meaning under 17 — are eligible to compete at the games in Nanjing.

The Indian Olympic Association was suspended by the IOC last December for not adhering to its own constitution during elections and for electing corruption-tainted officials.

Indians are competing in Nanjing as “independent athletes” under the IOC flag.

In another blow, four Indian badminton players were barred from competing in Nanjing because their entries had not been submitted in time.