Age fraud has been a persistent problem in Indian football, with numerous instances documented across various levels of the sport. The Subroto Cup, a renowned annual school football tournament, is actively tackling this issue by introducing the skeleton bone test for its under-15 category. The tournament, established in 1960, has witnessed the participation of renowned players like Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri and is set to host 111 teams across three categories in its 63rd edition, including teams from foreign countries.
The decision to implement the skeleton bone test stems from concerns raised by TimesofIndia.com during the opening press conference of the Subroto Cup. An Air Force Sports Control Board (AFSCB) spokesperson emphasized the importance of combating age fraud and explained the process. All participating footballers are registered on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) website with unique codes, and the skeleton bone test, conducted under AIFF guidelines, will be used for the under-15 category. For the under-17 category, a standard medical examination will suffice.
The skeleton bone test, also known as bone age assessment, utilizes X-rays of the left hand and wrist to determine a person’s age, especially in children and adolescents. The X-rays are compared to standard reference images to analyze bone developmental stages, including the appearance of growth plates and the fusion of epiphyses. This method has proven effective in previous editions of the Subroto Cup, as 22 teams in the under-14 category were disqualified for failing the age-determination test.
The AIFF guidelines stipulate that any team with four or more players found to be over-aged will be immediately disqualified and barred from the tournament. The AFSCB spokesperson expressed optimism that these measures will significantly reduce age fraud in future tournaments. By actively combating age fraud from the grassroots level, the Subroto Cup aims to create a fairer playing field for young athletes and promote the integrity of the sport in India.
