Srinagar: The controversy surrounding Jammu & Kashmir’s SO12 Sports Policy and the recently published list of outstanding sportspersons selected for government jobs refuses to die down. Instead, each passing day has brought fresh protests, allegations and debates, particularly from athletes who believe they have been unfairly denied their rightful place.
The list, released by the J&K Government last month under the SO12 sports quota, triggered widespread resentment, especially in the Jammu division. Several accomplished athletes from Olympic disciplines found themselves excluded, while the inclusion of some others raised serious questions about the selection process and the criteria adopted.
As a senior sports journalist and Editor of Kashmir Sports Watch, I could not remain silent. I publicly questioned the list and highlighted how a flawed policy has, over the years, failed to adequately recognise genuine sporting excellence, particularly in Olympic disciplines that bring prestige to the nation.
For raising these concerns, I faced police harassment, was detained in a police lock-up, had my mobile phone seized and an FIR registered against me. Despite these experiences, my stand remains unchanged: criticism of a public policy is legitimate and necessary in a democracy.
However, I also believe the ongoing protests have taken a wrong turn by making Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, the primary target.
I have had professional disagreements with Nuzhat Gul in the past, and those differences are no secret. But personal differences should never cloud objective analysis. Holding her solely responsible for the SO12 policy or the controversy surrounding it is neither factually correct nor ethically justified.
The SO12 Sports Policy, drafted in recent years, is at the heart of the present controversy. However, it is important to distinguish between those responsible for framing the policy and those tasked with implementing it. Secretary, J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul neither drafted the policy nor has the authority to amend or revise it. Similarly, she did not decide which sports disciplines would be included or excluded under the policy. The responsibility for reviewing, amending and strengthening the SO12 Sports Policy rests with the elected government.
There is no denying that the policy contains significant shortcomings that have adversely affected deserving athletes, particularly those representing Olympic disciplines. A transparent review involving sportspersons, coaches, sports administrators and sports journalists is essential to restore confidence in the system.
That responsibility rests with the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Sports Minister Satish Sharma, who have the authority to examine the policy, address its deficiencies and ensure that future selections truly reward sporting merit.
Directing public anger solely at one official only distracts from the fundamental issue. It shifts the conversation away from the flaws in the policy and reduces the chances of meaningful reform.
Those affected by the SO12 selections should continue to highlight deficiencies in the policy, question any inconsistencies in the selection list and advocate constructive reforms. Personal attacks, however, serve little purpose and weaken the credibility of an otherwise legitimate movement.
At the same time, I believe the Secretary, J&K Sports Council, should engage directly with aggrieved athletes. Dialogue is always preferable to confrontation. Listening to concerns, understanding grievances and facilitating communication can go a long way in rebuilding trust.
Every difficult issue has a solution when there is a willingness to engage sincerely.
This remains my considered opinion. It may invite criticism and perhaps even further legal action against me. Nevertheless, journalism demands that we speak truth to power while remaining fair to individuals. Accountability must be directed where it truly belongs.
The debate over the SO12 controversy should ultimately be about correcting a flawed sports policy—not vilifying a single official.
