SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has instructed divisional sports officers and screening committees to refrain from conducting screenings of teams fielded by unrecognised sports associations for their participation in National Level Competitions.
According to a circular, these guidelines will remain in effect until the associations are officially registered under the Societies Act 1860 and recognized by the J&K Sports Council in compliance with the established guidelines.
The circular emphasises that it is mandatory for Sports Associations recognized by the J&K Sports Council to have their selected teams/contingents screened by the Screening Committee of the J&K Sports Council prior to participating in National level competitions.
“However, it has been observed that several unrecognized sports associations are also seeking screenings of their teams in order to obtain approval for participation in National Level Competitions and benefit from the privileges provided by the government,” the circular states.
Additionally, it has been noted that these unrecognised Sports Associations are based in a specific area and have individuals in association positions who are either restricted persons or government employees without proper authority or permission.
“Furthermore, it has also come to our attention that these unrecognised Sports Associations are not registered under the Societies Act-1860 and do not have district units, hence operating illegally in J&K without adhering to the Sports Council’s recognition guidelines. There are also reports indicating that these Sports Associations do not maintain proper records and fixtures of domestic competitions, raising concerns about issuing Sports Certificates to ineligible candidates.”
The circular urges the Divisional Sports Officers and Screening Committee of the J&K Sports Council to refrain from conducting screenings of teams fielded by unrecognized Sports Associations for their participation in National Level Competitions until these associations are officially registered under the Societies Act – 1860 and recognized by the J&K Sports Council in accordance with the established guidelines. (KNO)
