The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has categorically denied allegations made by para archer Rakesh Kumar that he was unfairly excluded from the recruitment process under the SO-12 of 2022 notification. The Council stated that Kumar never submitted an application for the advertised posts, and therefore his candidature was never considered.
Official Clarification on Allegations
In a statement issued on Sunday, a spokesperson for the J&K Sports Council said, "It has come to the notice that certain statements attributed to Mr Rakesh Kumar, Para Archer, have been circulated through various media platforms alleging that he was unfairly excluded from the selection process for appointment under SO-12 of 2022 governing the appointment of Outstanding Sportspersons. These assertions are factually incorrect and require immediate clarification."
The spokesperson added, "It is categorically stated that, as per the official records maintained by the Department, Mr Rakesh Kumar never submitted an application pursuant to the notification inviting applications for appointment under SO-12 of 2022. Consequently, his candidature was never available for scrutiny or consideration by the duly constituted Scrutiny Committee or Selection Committee."
Transparent Recruitment Process
The Council emphasized that the recruitment process was conducted transparently and in accordance with rules. The General Merit List was published on July 19, 2024, and kept in the public domain for 15 days to allow objections or corrections. According to the Council, Kumar did not submit any objection or grievance during this period.
The spokesperson explained, "The recruitment process was conducted in a transparent and rule-bound manner. Upon scrutiny of all applications received within the prescribed period, the General Merit List was published by the Youth Services & Sports Department, Civil Secretariat, J&K, on 19 July 2024 and placed in the public domain for a period of 15 days, specifically to invite objections, corrections, or grievances from applicants and other stakeholders. During this objection period, Mr Rakesh Kumar neither submitted any objection nor raised any grievance alleging his exclusion from the General Merit List, despite the Department providing an adequate opportunity."
Late Representation After Selection List
The Council further noted that Kumar approached the department only after the provisional selection list was issued on February 11, 2026, seeking inclusion despite not having applied originally. The spokesperson stated, "It was only after the selection process had substantially progressed and the Provisional Selection List was issued on 11 February 2026 that Mr Rakesh Kumar submitted a representation seeking inclusion by way of backdoor entry in the selection process. Such a request could not legally be entertained since he had never applied under the recruitment notification."
The statement added, "It is a settled principle of every recruitment process that consideration for appointment is contingent upon submission of a valid application within the prescribed time and in accordance with the notified procedure. A person who has not applied pursuant to the advertisement cannot claim consideration for selection as a matter of right."
Non-Participation, Not Exclusion
The J&K Sports Council clarified that the issue is one of non-participation, not exclusion. "In these circumstances, the allegations that Mr Rakesh Kumar was 'excluded' from the selection process are wholly unsupported by the official record. The issue is not one of exclusion, but rather of non-participation in the recruitment process," the statement read.
The Council acknowledged Kumar's contributions as an athlete but urged that claims about recruitment procedures be based on facts. It warned that inaccurate statements could mislead the public and undermine trust in institutions.
Legal Action Warning
The Council stated that the recruitment under SO-12 of 2022 was conducted strictly according to rules and reviewed by authorized committees. It added, "The Department reserves its right to take such action as may be permissible under law against any person found to be knowingly disseminating false or misleading information concerning official proceedings, with the object or effect of causing unwarranted public confusion or obstructing the orderly functioning of the recruitment process."
The statement concluded by urging stakeholders and the sports community to rely only on official communications and authenticated records while commenting on matters of public importance.
