AFI asked for athletes' photos; received shirtless, photoshopped images instead

According to the report, many of the rejected applications came with photos that covered a broad definition of "inappropriate."

While some were pictures taken in parks or in dimly-lit restaurants, one applicant sent a picture of himself flashing the middle finger.

Reportedly, another applicant had photoshopped themselves in front of the London Eye.

Others included shirtless photos, flaunting tattoos, or pictures with fancy hairdos.

AFI communications manager, Divesh Bhal, told TIE, "All we sought were simple passport pictures for registration and we received all kinds of colorful, weird pictures."

Bhal added, "In some pictures, the athletes' faces weren't even visible. How do they expect us to verify them? I want to humbly request all athletes to send us proper passport pictures so they get their ID numbers quickly."

Apart from failing to send acceptable photos, other reasons for the rejection of applications were stated as mentioning an incomplete address, issues with age proof documents, etc.

Reportedly, once an application is temporarily rejected, athletes are sent an automated email with details of the officer-in-charge.

Upon contacting the officer, the reason for rejection is communicated and athletes have to resend proper applications.

After AFI re-launched its website last month, it was mandatory for athletes to register online to avail their unique identification numbers.

This move was introduced to reduce duplicity and make a uniform process.

An officer heading the project told TIE that previously state federations were required to upload fresh forms for each competition.

With online applications, they can simply select athletes on their systems.