Ashu Kumar
Jammu Tawi, Dec. 14: Even as the controversy over regional bias in admissions to the SMVD Medical College, refuses to die down, another flashpoint has erupted—this time on the sports field. The selection of Jammu & Kashmir’s Santosh Trophy football team has triggered outrage across the Jammu region after the Sports Authority and the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) announced an all-Kashmir squad, completely excluding players from Jammu. The decision has revived long-standing allegations of discrimination, reinforcing perceptions that Jammu’s youth are being systematically side-lined in key institutional decisions, even in arenas meant to be merit-driven and apolitical like sports.
The row took a sharp political turn when the senior BJP leader and Bahu MLA Vikram Randhawa, speaking to the Northlines, publicly questioned the Omar Abdullah-led government, accusing it of presiding over a pattern of regional neglect. Terming the selection process “deeply flawed and biased,” Randhawa expressed alarm that not a single player from Jammu found a place in the 20-member Santosh Trophy squad, despite extensive trials and a large pool of shortlisted talent from the region. His remarks echo growing anger among players, coaches and sports bodies in Jammu, who see the move as yet another institutional snub rather than an isolated sporting decision.
The controversy stems from the recent announcement of the J&K football team for the Santosh Trophy 2025. According to sources, the final squad was finalised within a single day by a selection committee comprising members exclusively from the Kashmir region, following which the team was rushed to the tournament venue.
This came after weeks of selection trials held across the Union Territory. While 24 players were shortlisted from the Srinagar division after multiple trials, the Jammu region—despite having over 2,300 registered footballers—shortlisted 74 players from various districts. As per the original plan, a final screening camp was to be held involving 98 players competing for 20 slots. However, the final squad included only players from Kashmir, completely excluding all Jammu-based aspirants.
Reacting sharply, MLA Vikram Randhawa said the issue reflected a deeper governance failure rather than a mere sporting lapse. “Omar Abdullah is the Chief Minister of the entire Jammu and Kashmir, not just one region,” he said, questioning how none of the 74 shortlisted players from Jammu could be found fit to represent the Union Territory. He said the outcome raised serious doubts about the fairness and intent of the selection process.
Randhawa also targeted Sports Minister Satish Sharma, expressing disappointment over his continued silence despite hailing from the Jammu region. He questioned why the minister had failed to intervene or even issue a clarification, stating that his inaction had only deepened public suspicion and resentment.
The episode has severely demoralised young footballers and coaches in Jammu, many of whom fear that repeated instances of exclusion could push promising talent away from competitive sports. Coaches warned that such decisions threaten the grassroots football structure and erode trust in institutional processes meant to reward merit.
Following the backlash, demands for transparency have intensified, with sports bodies and former players seeking disclosure of selection criteria, performance assessments, balanced regional representation in selection panels, and immediate corrective measures. Appeals have also been made to the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to intervene.
Warning the government, Randhawa said continued regional neglect could force the Centre to take serious decisions. What began as a sports controversy has now laid bare deeper concerns over governance, equity and fair play in Jammu & Kashmir. As official silence persists, the onus lies on the government and JKFA to restore credibility and ensure equal opportunity for all regions.
