Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has made a strong appeal to keep sports free from political interference. He delivered this message during a national-level sports conference in Jammu on Saturday.
Addressing Selection Controversies
Sinha spoke at the two-day 'National Level Sports Conference – SRIJAN' held at the convention centre in Jammu. He expressed concern that politics often dominates sports discussions. The Lt Governor specifically addressed recent controversies surrounding team selections in the union territory.
"It is unfortunate that politics dominates sports," Sinha stated during his address. He emphasized that not every selection process should be viewed with suspicion.
Recent Selection Controversies
The remarks come amid allegations of regional bias in two sporting events. Critics have raised concerns about the selection process for the national football Santosh Trophy. Of Jammu and Kashmir's 20-member team for that tournament, 19 players came from Kashmir region.
Similar allegations surfaced regarding the Under-14 boys' cricket team for the 69th National School Games. Critics claimed selections disproportionately favored Kashmir over Jammu. These accusations prompted Sports Minister Satish Sharma to order an inquiry last month.
Call for Mindset Change
"If we want to see India as a powerful player in sports, we have to free ourselves from a predetermined mindset of having suspicion at every selection," Sinha asserted. He added that talented individuals sometimes get left behind due to various reasons.
The Lt Governor called for creating an encouraging atmosphere for young athletes. "I believe we can do better if we create an atmosphere that encourages a child who is doing well or trying to do well in sports," he said.
Support for Paraplegic Athletes
Sinha also highlighted the need for administrative mindset changes toward paraplegic sportspersons. He shared an example of a national swimming and taekwondo champion without hands who faced difficulties obtaining a driver's license.
"He got a medal, but difficulties arise when there are some people in the administration who do not recognize him," Sinha noted. He stressed the importance of better recognition and support for differently-abled athletes.
Sports Council's Response
The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has denied all allegations of regional bias in selections. Meanwhile, the J&K football team showed promising performance in the Santosh Trophy before elimination.
The team began strongly with 3-0 victories against Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Their campaign ended with a 0-1 loss to Punjab in the tournament.
Conference Participation
The SRIJAN sports conference attracted various stakeholders. Sports councils, administration officials, industry leaders, and local sportspersons attended the two-day event. Discussions focused on improving sports infrastructure and opportunities in the region.
Sinha expressed confidence in Jammu and Kashmir's youth. "The youth in Jammu and Kashmir have all the qualities of determination, capacity and capability in them," he stated. "They do not lack anything."
The Lt Governor's comments come at a crucial time for sports development in the union territory. His emphasis on merit-based selections and reduced political interference aims to create a more inclusive sporting environment.
