Srinagar: In a major allegation and statement, former IPS officer Sahfqat Watali has termed J&K Sports Council a Sarkari Event Management Company.
Shafqat Watali who is currently President of J&K Watersport Kayaking Canoeing Association on his X account (Formerly Twitter) lashed out Sports Council for ignoring Watersport players in its “PR Stunt” for 38th National Games 2025.
“J&K Sports Council (Sarkari Event Management Company) has no right to include Water Sports Athletes in this PR stunt,” Shafqat Watali posted.
In the same post, Watali accused J&K Sports Council of causing tremendous damage to waterport in J&K.
“Council has caused tremendous damage to water sports. Hardwork of water sports champions and J&K Water Sports Kayaking & Canoeing Association has kept it afloat,” he wrote.
J&K Spots Minister Satish Sharma on Sunday flagged off J&K contingent for the 38th National Games-2025 Uttarkhandh from MA Stadium Jammu. While the teams would leave on various dates from time to time, it was basically a gathering to distribute sports kits among the participants.
As per official statement around 108 athletes (87 men, 21 women) are scheduled to represent J&K in the 14 disciplines at the Uttarakhand Games from Jan 28-Feb 14.
Shafqat Watali has reacted on the issue of Watersport players being ignored for the event and not granted the coaching camp like other sports disciplines.
Around 13 players from J&K are going to participate in National Games in watersport discipline. Two will be playing in Canoe Sprint, one in Canoe Slalom, five in Rafting, two in Rowing and three officials.
As per Association they had informed J&K Sports Council about the qualification of its athletes for the games but received no response. The entries were completed through J&K Olympic Association , a nodal body for the registration.