Kashmir, December 18,2025- The Jammu and Kashmir administration has constituted a high-level inquiry panel to probe the selection process of the J&K football team for the Santosh Trophy, following concerns and complaints over transparency and fairness.
According to officials, the panel has been tasked with examining whether established norms, selection criteria and procedural guidelines were properly followed during the team’s selection. The inquiry will also look into allegations raised by players and stakeholders regarding possible favouritism, exclusion of deserving talent and irregularities in trials.
The committee is expected to interact with selectors, officials of the J&K Sports Council and the J&K Football Association, and scrutinise relevant records, including trial reports and performance data of players. A detailed report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to the authorities within a stipulated timeframe.
Officials said the move reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and merit-based selection in sports, particularly in prestigious national tournaments like the Santosh Trophy.
Sports enthusiasts and footballers across the Union Territory have welcomed the decision, hoping it will restore confidence among players and strengthen the sporting ecosystem in J&K.
