Srinagar, July 6 (KNB): The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Sunday issued a detailed clarification over the recruitment of Outstanding Sportspersons under the Sports Quota, saying the entire selection process has been conducted strictly in accordance with government rules and established procedures. The Council also rejected allegations regarding the recognition of Pencak Silat and Dragon Boat events, describing the claims as misleading and contrary to official records.
In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir News Bureau, the Council said recent reports and discussions on social media have created confusion among athletes and the public over appointments made under S.O. 12 of 2022, read with S.O. 412 of 2023. It said the recruitment policy is backed by statutory rules framed after administrative examination, legal scrutiny and approval by the competent authorities, leaving no scope for arbitrary decisions.
According to the Council, the sports quota policy has evolved over the years through SRO-349 of 1998, SRO-376 of 2004, S.O. 149 of 2021, and was later consolidated under S.O. 12 of 2022 before being supplemented through S.O. 412 of 2023. These rules clearly define the recognised sports disciplines, eligibility conditions, merit criteria and the mechanism for appointments.
The Council said it does not make appointments independently but functions only as the implementing agency of the Government. It added that recruitment is carried out through a High-Powered Selection Committee headed by the Chief Secretary and comprising senior officers from different departments. Every application is scrutinised for eligibility, sporting achievements and compliance with the notified rules before being placed before the committee.
Clarifying the merit system, the Council said S.O. 12 of 2022 does not differentiate between Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines. Instead, all 44 recognised sports disciplines are treated equally, with candidates evaluated purely on merit points earned through verified achievements. At the same time, the rules provide higher weightage to medals won at the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, ensuring that athletes competing at the highest international level receive additional merit while maintaining equal recognition for all notified disciplines.
The Council said the present policy replaced the discretionary system that existed under earlier rules with a transparent points-based mechanism for evaluating performances at national and international competitions.
It further said the recruitment process went through several stages of verification. Apart from scrutiny by the committee constituted under Government Order No. 1247-JK(GAD) of 2023, opinions were obtained from the Law Department on interpretation of certain provisions. Reports from NADA, WADA, CID and the concerned National Sports Federations were also considered. Candidates found involved in anti-doping violations, adverse verification or those already appointed under previous rules were declared ineligible in accordance with the notified provisions. The recommendations were then examined by the High-Powered Committee before receiving approval from the competent authorities, including the Chief Minister and the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, prior to publication of the final selection list.
The Council said the provisional selection list was published twice to invite objections and representations from stakeholders. It added that all grievances were examined and replies were provided before the final list was issued, including compliance with directions of the Central Administrative Tribunal.
Responding to questions over Pencak Silat, the Council said the discipline has been officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports since November 2017 after the recognition of the Indian Pencak Silat Federation following its inclusion in the Asian Games. It said the sport is now part of the National Games, Khelo India competitions, All India Inter-University Championships and All India Police Games. It is also recognised under the Department of Personnel and Training policy for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons in Central Government services.
The Council said Pencak Silat was included in the J&K Sports Quota framework through S.O. 149 of 2021 along with Baseball, Netball, Triathlon and Ice Hockey before being incorporated into Annexure-I of S.O. 12 of 2022. It added that the Indian Pencak Silat Federation has remained registered with the J&K Sports Council since 2018 and that all legal issues relating to consideration of achievements in the discipline had already been examined and settled through the prescribed legal and administrative process.
It also pointed out that Pencak Silat has been included in recent recruitment advertisements issued by Central Government departments such as CGST and Customs, the Income Tax Department and Assam Rifles for appointment of meritorious sportspersons.
On Dragon Boat, the Council clarified that it is a recognised event under Kayaking and Canoeing. It said communications issued by the Sports Authority of India, the Indian Olympic Association, the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association and the International Canoe Federation clearly recognise Dragon Boat as one of the competitive events under the discipline. The Council said several sports, including gymnastics, athletics and fencing, have multiple recognised events conducted under their respective national and international federations.
Highlighting the outcome of the recruitment process, the Council said the final selection has ensured balanced regional representation, with nearly 55 per cent of selected candidates belonging to Jammu Division and 45 per cent from Kashmir Division. It said this reflects a transparent and merit-based selection process without any regional bias.
The Council expressed concern over what it termed selective interpretation of government notifications and circulation of inaccurate information, saying such narratives have the potential to mislead the public and demoralise genuine athletes who have worked hard to achieve success in their respective disciplines.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, fairness and merit, the Sports Council urged media organisations and the public to rely on official government notifications and verified records while reporting on sports-related matters. It said informed public discussion strengthens institutions, while misinformation only creates unnecessary confusion. (KNB)