Row over exclusion of Jammu players turns football selection into political flashpoint
By: Javid Amin | 14 December 2025
A political controversy has erupted over the selection of Jammu & Kashmir’s Santosh Trophy football squad, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleging regional discrimination against players from Jammu, while the J&K Sports Council has categorically rejected the charge, asserting that the selection process was strictly merit-based and transparent.
The dispute has triggered strong reactions from football clubs, former players, parents, and fans in Jammu province, turning what is ordinarily a sporting decision into a broader debate on regional equity, transparency, and sports governance in the Union Territory.
BJP Alleges Bias Against Jammu Players
BJP leaders claimed that despite significant participation from Jammu-based footballers during trials, no player from the Jammu region was selected in the final Santosh Trophy squad. The party alleged that this amounted to systematic discrimination and marginalisation.
According to BJP representatives, 74 players from 115 football clubs in Jammu province took part in the selection process, yet none made it to the final team—an outcome the party described as “deeply unfair” and “unacceptable.”
Calling the matter serious, BJP leaders demanded accountability at the highest level, with some even seeking the resignation of Sports Minister Satish Sharma, arguing that such exclusions erode trust in sports institutions.
Demand for Accountability Escalates
The BJP framed the issue not merely as a sports-related grievance but as a matter of institutional fairness and regional justice.
“Sports should unite regions, not divide them. If talent from an entire region is ignored, questions must be asked,” party leaders said, insisting that the selection process be reviewed and made fully transparent.
The party also indicated that it would raise the matter at appropriate political and administrative forums if corrective steps were not taken.
Sports Council Rejects Allegations, Defends Merit-Based Selection
Responding firmly to the allegations, officials of the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council rejected claims of discrimination, maintaining that the Santosh Trophy squad was selected solely on performance, fitness, and merit.
“There was no regional bias whatsoever. Players were evaluated purely on their ability and match performance during trials,” a senior Sports Council official said, adding that selectors followed established procedures and technical assessments.
The Council stressed that selection committees operate independently, and political interference or regional considerations do not influence final decisions.
Resentment Among Jammu Football Community
Despite the Sports Council’s clarification, the absence of Jammu players has sparked resentment among local football clubs, former players, and parents.
Many questioned how such a large pool of players from Jammu could be entirely overlooked, terming the process non-transparent and calling for the release of detailed evaluation data, including performance scores and selection criteria.
“This isn’t about politics for us—it’s about our children and players who trained hard and expected a fair chance,” said a parent of one of the trial participants.
Former players also expressed concern that repeated controversies of this nature could discourage young talent from pursuing football seriously.
Regional Equity and a Long-Standing Sensitivity
The controversy has revived long-standing sensitivities surrounding regional representation between Jammu and Kashmir, an issue that extends beyond sports into education, employment, and governance.
Analysts note that even merit-based decisions can become contentious in a politically sensitive environment unless accompanied by high levels of transparency and communication.
“In J&K, perception matters as much as process. Institutions must proactively demonstrate fairness to avoid mistrust,” said a sports governance expert.
Why the Santosh Trophy Row Matters
1. Trust in Sports Institutions
Credible and transparent selection systems are essential to maintain confidence among players, parents, and coaches.
2. Regional Balance
While merit must remain paramount, repeated regional exclusions risk reinforcing perceptions of bias.
3. Political Spillover
The BJP’s intervention shows how quickly sports-related grievances can escalate into political controversies in J&K.
4. Impact on Young Athletes
Prolonged disputes may demoralize grassroots talent and weaken the football ecosystem.
What Comes Next
With political pressure mounting and public scrutiny intensifying, calls are growing for the Sports Council to publicly disclose selection criteria, assessment metrics, and trial evaluations to put the controversy to rest.
Whether the issue leads to an official review or fades after clarifications will depend on how convincingly authorities address concerns and whether aggrieved stakeholders feel heard.
Conclusion: A Test of Transparency and Fairness
The Santosh Trophy selection row highlights the fragile intersection of sports, politics, and regional identity in Jammu & Kashmir. While the Sports Council insists the process was fair and merit-based, the BJP’s allegations and public resentment underline a trust deficit that institutions can no longer afford to ignore.
Ensuring transparency, clear communication, and equal opportunity will be key to preventing future controversies—and to safeguarding the integrity of sports in the Union Territory.
