Sports Should Not be Politicised: Shahid Iqbal Choudhary | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Commissioner/Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Sunday defended the selection process of the Jammu and Kashmir U-20 football team, stating that sports should not be politicised at the expense of young athletes.

Speaking to reporters after flagging off the JK U-20 football team from TRC Football Ground for participation in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 National Football Championship, Choudhary said the selection had been carried out in a fair and transparent manner by the JK Sports Council.

He said the team was selected purely on merit after professionally organised camps and training programmes conducted by the Sports Council, with players drawn from different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. He added that several members of the squad had already represented at international level and expressed confidence that they would perform well at the national championship.

Referring to the recent controversy over the team’s participation, Choudhary alleged that misinformation was being circulated by vested interests to create confusion and discourage youth participation in sports.

He said the All India Football Federation (AIFF) had, in September 2023, authorised the JK Sports Council to conduct football-related activities, including selections, coaching, training camps and competition management in Jammu and Kashmir until elections to the Football Association are held in the Union Territory.

He stated that the Sports Council is currently the only authorised body for football selections in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that despite this, attempts were being made by some individuals to mislead authorities and obstruct participation in national competitions.

Choudhary said an ad-hoc committee headed by Justice Gambhir was constituted in July 2025 to oversee elections and football-related matters, but the electoral process has not yet begun, due to which the Sports Council continues to function in an authorised capacity.

He alleged that certain individuals were attempting to assert control without allowing democratic structures to develop at grassroots level, stating that sports associations function through a pyramid structure from block and district levels upwards.

Expressing concern over repeated confusion surrounding youth sports events, he said conflicting reports about the football team’s participation had created unnecessary anxiety among players and parents.

He said initial uncertainty over the matter was resolved after it was taken up with the AIFF on April 24, following which the team’s participation was formally cleared.

Choudhary also cautioned against misinformation campaigns and anonymous social media attacks targeting officials and the sports ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that legal action would be initiated where required.

He said the administration is focusing on talent identification, organisation of leagues and tournaments, and development of sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. He added that major infrastructure projects are underway in districts including Anantnag, Ganderbal, Shopian and Srinagar, alongside plans for national and international-standard facilities across the Union Territory.

He further said football, volleyball, kabaddi and cricket tournaments are being organised across all regions under an annual sports calendar covering every district and block.

Appealing to media organisations to verify facts before publishing reports related to sports, Choudhary said inaccurate reporting could adversely impact young athletes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and fair functioning of sports bodies, and ensuring opportunities for athletes at national and international levels.

“Our objective is to strengthen sports culture and safeguard the interests of youth. Children should be allowed to play and develop without political interference,” he said.