Srinagar, July 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council on Monday issued a detailed clarification on the recruitment of Outstanding Sportspersons under the Sports Quota, rejecting what it termed as "misleading narratives" regarding the implementation of S.O. 12 of 2022 and the eligibility of Pencak Silat and Kayaking & Canoeing (Dragon Boat) disciplines.
In a statement, the Council said recent reports circulating through media and social media had created confusion among sportspersons and the public, making it necessary to place the factual and legal position on record.
The Council clarified that appointments under the Sports Quota are governed entirely by statutory rules and government orders, including SRO-349 of 1998, SRO-376 of 2004, S.O. 149 of 2021, S.O. 12 of 2022, and S.O. 412 of 2023. These notifications prescribe the recognised sports disciplines, eligibility criteria, assessment procedures and the institutional mechanism for recruitment.
It emphasised that the Sports Council is only an implementing agency and has no discretionary role in making appointments. Recruitment, it said, is carried out through a High-Powered Selection Committee headed by the Chief Secretary, with senior officers from various government departments as members. Every application undergoes scrutiny of eligibility, verification of achievements and examination under the notified rules before being considered by the committee.
Addressing concerns over Pencak Silat, the Council said the sport enjoys full recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, since 2017, following its inclusion in the Asian Games. It is governed internationally by PERSILAT and features in major international events, including the Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Southeast Asian Games and World Championships.
The Council further noted that Pencak Silat is recognised for recruitment of meritorious sportspersons by the Central Government and is included in competitions such as the National Games, Khelo India, All India Inter-University Championships and All India Police Games.
It said the discipline was incorporated into Jammu and Kashmir's Sports Quota policy through S.O. 149 of 2021 and continues to be included under S.O. 12 of 2022 and S.O. 412 of 2023. The Indian Pencak Silat Federation has also remained registered with the J&K Sports Council since 2018.
The Council added that the issue regarding consideration of achievements in Pencak Silat had already been examined by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, and the competent Selection Committee had taken its decision in accordance with the applicable rules.
Clarifying the status of Kayaking & Canoeing (Dragon Boat), the Council said Dragon Boat is a recognised event under the Kayaking & Canoeing discipline, as confirmed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association and the International Canoe Federation.
The Council expressed concern that selective interpretation of government notifications and circulation of inaccurate information could undermine public confidence in a recruitment process that is governed entirely by statutory provisions.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency and merit-based recruitment, the Sports Council appealed to media organisations and stakeholders to rely on authentic government notifications and verified information while reporting on sports administration. It affirmed that all decisions are taken strictly in accordance with government rules and legal provisions while safeguarding the interests of genuine sportspersons across the Union Territory.
