Probe into Santosh Trophy selection still pending, panel seeks more time

Srinagar, Apr 1: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday informed the Assembly that a committee constituted to probe the selection process of the J&K football team for the 79th National Football Championship (Santosh Trophy 2025) is yet to submit its final report.

Replying to a question by MLA Surinder Kumar, the Minister in-charge of the Youth Services and Sports Department said that the probe panel was constituted vide Government Order No. 5O-JK(YSS) of 2025 dated December 17, 2025.

The committee was tasked with examining the selection process of the J&K football team that participated in the Santosh Trophy, following concerns and allegations regarding transparency and fairness.

However, the government informed the House that the committee has sought additional time to complete its inquiry and submit the final report.

“Yes, a committee was constituted to probe the selection process of the J&K Football Team for participation in the 79th National Football Championship (Santosh Trophy-2025) vide Government Order No. 5O-JK(YSS) of 2025 dated: ‘17.12.2025. However, the committee has requested for grant of more time for submission of the final report,” the Minister said in the reply, without specifying a revised timeline for completion of the probe.

Pertinent to mention that the delay in the submission of the report comes amid growing scrutiny over selection processes in sports teams across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in football and cricket, where questions have been raised about transparency and adherence to merit.

The findings of the committee are expected to determine whether any irregularities occurred in the selection of the Santosh Trophy squad and if any corrective or disciplinary action is warranted.

The Santosh Trophy is India’s premier domestic football competition, and J&K’s participation has often been closely followed by the local football fraternity.

Meanwhile, the government’s response indicates that the matter remains under examination, with further action likely only after the submission of the committee’s final report.