Ranjit Thakur
JAMMU, Mar 30: Many outstanding sportspersons in Jammu and Kashmir are facing severe financial difficulties due to the prolonged delay in the release of the selection list for Government jobs under the new sports policy. Despite the policy being announced three years ago, the list remains unpublished, leaving these athletes in a state of uncertainty and distress.
The new sports policy was initially hailed as a beacon of hope for dedicated athletes, promising 5 gazetted and 25 non-gazetted posts each year for exceptional sportspersons. These jobs were to be allocated under the sports quota, providing much-needed stability for those who have brought pride to the UT and the nation through their achievements. However, despite the passage of three years, the selection list is still pending, and athletes continue to wait without any clarity on their future.
One athlete, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed deep anguish over the situation. Having represented Jammu and Kashmir on prestigious platforms such as the Asian Games, World Cup and Commonwealth Championships, they now find themselves in a difficult position with no job security. “We applied for jobs under the backlog quota from 2014 to 2022, which would have covered 5 gazetted and 225 non-gazetted posts, but despite our achievements, we are still waiting. We have given everything to sports and deserve a Government job,” the athlete said.
These athletes have dedicated years of their lives to training, competing, and representing their state and country, yet today they face an uncertain future. The delay in the release of the selection list has left them without the job opportunities they were promised. With many athletes now approaching or exceeding the age limit for Government employment, the chances of securing alternative work are rapidly diminishing.
The financial strain is becoming unbearable, and the emotional toll is equally severe. Once celebrated for their sporting achievements, these athletes now face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to support their families. The dream of a stable future is slipping further away, and with each passing day, they grow further removed from the job security they were promised.
Kuldeep Kumar Gupta, Secretary of the Vansh Sabre Sports Foundation, has consistently raised these concerns at various platforms and with Government officials. He once again urged the authorities to expedite the process and release the selection list without further delay. “I have time and again raised their issues with higher Government officials, and I once again urge the authorities to act swiftly,” he said.
The athletes have now appealed to LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure that the selection list and appointment orders are released immediately.
Meanwhile, Excelsior tried to contact seniors officials on this regard but there was no response from their end.
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