J&K Sports Council Rebuts Recruitment Allegations, Reaffirms Transparency in Sports Quota Appointments
SRINAGAR, July 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has categorically rejected what it described as misleading reports and allegations circulating across media and social media platforms regarding recruitment under the Sports Quota, asserting that appointments of outstanding sportspersons are made strictly in accordance with statutory rules and government-approved procedures.
In a detailed clarification issued on Sunday, the Council said the reports, particularly those questioning the implementation of S.O. 12 of 2022 and the recognition of Pencak Silat and Kayaking & Canoeing (Dragon Boat) as eligible sports disciplines, had created unnecessary confusion among athletes and the general public.
The Council emphasized that recruitment of outstanding sportspersons in Jammu and Kashmir is governed entirely by statutory rules and government orders, including SRO-349 of 1998, SRO-376 of 2004, S.O. 149 of 2021, S.O. 12 of 2022, and S.O. 412 of 2023. These notifications, it said, provide a comprehensive legal framework defining recognized sports disciplines, eligibility conditions, evaluation criteria and the institutional mechanism for selection.
Refuting allegations of discretionary appointments, the Sports Council clarified that it functions solely as an implementing agency of government policy and has no independent authority to make appointments. It stated that recruitment is carried out through a duly constituted High-Powered Selection Committee headed by the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, with senior government officials as members. Every application, the Council said, undergoes scrutiny of eligibility, verification of sporting achievements and evaluation under the prescribed rules before being considered by the committee.
Addressing concerns over the inclusion of Pencak Silat, the Council said the discipline has enjoyed official recognition from the Government of India since 2017 following its inclusion in the Asian Games. It noted that the sport is recognised nationally by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Indian Pencak Silat Federation and features in major competitions, including the National Games, Khelo India, All India Inter-University Championships and All India Police Games.
The Council further stated that Pencak Silat has also been recognised for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons in various Central Government departments under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) policy. It added that the discipline has been included in recruitment notifications issued by the Central Goods and Services Tax Department, the Income Tax Department, Assam Rifles and several state governments, including Haryana.
According to the Council, Pencak Silat, along with Baseball, Netball, Triathlon and Ice Hockey, was incorporated into Jammu and Kashmir's Sports Quota recruitment framework through S.O. 149 of 2021 and later included in S.O. 12 of 2022 and S.O. 412 of 2023. It also clarified that the Indian Pencak Silat Federation has remained registered with the J&K Sports Council since 2018.
On the issue of sports achievements, the Council said Rule 7(i) of S.O. 12 of 2022 provides for consideration of achievements earned during the prescribed five-year eligibility period. It added that legal opinion from the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs had already settled the issue relating to the consideration of Pencak Silat achievements, ensuring consistency and uniformity in the selection process.
Clarifying the status of Dragon Boat events, the Council said they form an integral part of the recognised discipline of Kayaking & Canoeing, as confirmed by communications from the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association and the International Canoe Federation. It explained that Dragon Boat is one of several recognised events conducted under the discipline at national and international levels.
The Council also pointed out that several recognised sports disciplines, including Athletics, Gymnastics, Fencing, Shooting, Wushu and Roller Skating, comprise multiple events conducted under their respective national and international federations.
Expressing concern over what it termed selective interpretation of government notifications, the Sports Council said dissemination of inaccurate information undermines public confidence in transparent institutional processes and adversely affects the morale of genuine sportspersons.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, fairness and merit-based recruitment, the Council said every decision is guided by statutory rules, government orders and the decisions of competent authorities. It also reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir through improved infrastructure, grassroots development and equal opportunities for athletes across all recognised disciplines.
The Council appealed to media organisations, stakeholders and the public to rely on authentic government notifications and verified information while reporting on sports administration, stressing that factual reporting strengthens public trust, whereas misinformation only creates avoidable confusion. ANB
