J&K L-G Appeals for Calm: “Keep Sports Free of Politics, Don’t Suspect Every Selection” Amid Santosh Trophy Row

What happened: J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha urged people not to politicise sports after controversy erupted over the Santosh Trophy team selection.

Why it matters now: The selection of 19 Kashmiri players out of 20 triggered criticism and accusations of bias, prompting the Sports Minister to order an inquiry.

What changes for people: The L-G’s remarks aim to restore trust in sports governance and reassure athletes across regions.

Who is affected: Football players from Jammu and Kashmir, coaches, selectors, and sporting bodies.

L-G calls for separating sports from political narratives

Amid heated debate over the recent Santosh Trophy squad selection, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has urged citizens to maintain faith in the process and avoid viewing every sports decision through a political lens. He stressed that sports must remain a neutral space, driven by talent, performance, and merit.

Sinha noted that unnecessary controversies can demoralise athletes, particularly young sportspersons striving for opportunities.

What sparked the controversy?

Last month, the selection for the Jammu and Kashmir Santosh Trophy football team triggered widespread discussion after it emerged that 19 out of 20 players were from Kashmir. Critics argued that players from Jammu region were overlooked, leading to protests on social media and demands for transparency.

In response, J&K Sports Minister Satish Sharma ordered an official inquiry into the selection process to ensure fairness and accountability.

L-G Sinha: “Don’t suspect every selection automatically”

Addressing the concerns, the L-G cautioned against assuming wrongdoing without evidence. He said committees and selection panels must be allowed to function professionally, and that every strong performance should not be overshadowed by political suspicion.

He emphasised that the administration has consistently pushed for merit-based sports development, including improved infrastructure and support for athletes across both regions of the Union Territory.

Why this matters for J&K sports

Sports analysts say the row highlights long-standing regional sensitivities, but also presents an opportunity to:

Strengthen transparent selection mechanisms

Build confidence among athletes from all districts

Prevent sports bodies from becoming battlegrounds for political debates

Coaches argue that continuous scrutiny is healthy, but blanket accusations can damage morale and trust.