Srinagar, May 6 (JKNS): In a significant development for football in Jammu & Kashmir, the J&K U-20 team has been permitted to participate in the upcoming Swami Vivekananda National Football Championship after earlier being omitted from the official fixtures.
The exclusion had occurred due to the absence of an elected body to oversee the affairs of football in Jammu & Kashmir. However, the matter has now been resolved following timely and proactive intervention from the Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, along with support from Sh. Kunal K, Joint Secretary, Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Services and Sports.
The J&K Sports Council has also expressed sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Madaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for his support in resolving the issue. The development occurred during the Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, where a thorough discussion was held in a meeting regarding creating football leagues, grassroots initiatives and football development programmes in J&K. Commissioner Secretary YSS, during the meeting, emphasized that the non-conduct of JKFA elections should not prevent J&K football players from participating in the national championships, and requested the Ministry that the J&K squad be included in national championships.
The issue had arisen despite clear directives from the All India Football Federation (AIFF), which had earlier authorized the J&K Sports Council to facilitate participation of J&K teams in national competitions. The AIFF had formed an Ad-hoc Committee to manage football affairs in J&K and expedite the process of conducting Jammu & Kashmir Football Association’s elections, although they have not visited J&K since its formation last year. The J&K Sports Council has once again urged MYAS & AIFF to direct the constituted Ad-hoc Committee to visit J&K, handle J&K Football’s affairs, and hold elections in a timely manner.
The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council has also thanked the AIFF for its constructive approach and has assured its full support to AIFF in holding elections for the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association.
It is noteworthy that since 2022, all football teams from Jammu & Kashmir participating in national championships have been fully sponsored and supported by the J&K Sports Council. The current U-20 squad has been selected through a transparent and merit-based trial process conducted across the region, and a residential coaching camp was held in Srinagar since April 9th, 2026.
With the matter now resolved, the young footballers from Jammu & Kashmir will have the opportunity to showcase their talent at the national stage.
Secretary JKSC Nuzhat Gul reiterated the commitment of J&K Sports Council towards the growth and development of football in the region and emphasized continued efforts to ensure proper governance and opportunities for players. (JKNS)