The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has constituted a high-level enquiry committee to probe the selection process of the J&K football team for participation in the 79th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy 2025. The decision follows allegations of ‘discrimination’ by the opposition which also demanded resignation of Chief Minister over the row.
As per Government Order No. 50-JK(YSS) of 2025 dated December 17 , the enquiry committee will examine the entire selection procedure to ascertain the factual position in a time-bound manner.According to the order, the committee has been tasked with conducting an in-depth enquiry into the selection process and submitting its recommendations based on the findings. The panel has been directed to submit its report within seven days.
The committee will be headed by Director General, Youth Services and Sports, J&K, Ms. Anuradha Gupta, JKAS, and includes senior officers from various departments along with experienced sports professionals. The Director General, Youth Services and Sports has been authorised to co-opt two former National-level footballers one each from the Kashmir and Jammu regions.
The government has also decided to facilitate public participation in the enquiry process. Members of the general public will be allowed to present their inputs and comments by meeting the committee on three notified days each in Jammu and Srinagar.
Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday rejected claims of discrimination with Jammu in the team selection for Santosh Trophy and requested politicians to keep sports and education separate from politics. Earlier during the day, Jammu and Kashmir sports minister Satish Sharma assured a time-bound and impartial inquiry into Santosh Trophy team selection, a day after the BJP alleged discrimination with the Jammu region and demanded his resignation.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council had already dismissed the allegations as misleading and defended the selection as merit-based and transparent. Meanwhile, J&K team defeated Ladakh 3-0 in the first qualifier match of 79th NFC Santosh Trophy presently underway at Mahilpur in Punjab. The team will play its second match against Himachal Pradesh on December 17 and 3rd match against host team Punjab on December 19.
Follow us
