Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 7: Parents of Under-14 football players in Jammu have raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities and mismanagement in the selection process for young footballers.
During a press conference addressed by Surinder Kumar (parent) and senior citizen Surjit Singh, they alleged that procedural lapses and poor communication had adversely impacted the welfare and future prospects of the players.
They clarified that while they were not disputing the merit of the selected players, they were deeply disturbed by the manner in which the selections were handled. According to them, selected players were informed just one day before the medical tests and were immediately dispatched to Srinagar for further evaluation, without undergoing the standard initial medical checks in Jammu.
They alleged that in previous years, medical assessments were conducted by sports officials in Jammu prior to final selections. However, the parents claimed that this year the practice was abruptly changed, creating confusion and stress among both players and families. They also claimed that the Sports Officer admitted the department no longer directly manages the selection process, which is now managed by sports club – raising serious questions over transparency and accountability.
Another parent described a troubling timeline, saying the players were called at the eleventh hour and told to report at 6 PM for an overnight journey to Srinagar in a tempo traveller. The young athletes, they claimed, travelled the entire night and reached Srinagar around 2 am, only to be asked to report for a trial match at 9 am – despite a rain advisory and the challenging road conditions. “These are very young boys. Why were they made to travel overnight and play a match within hours of arrival? The Jammu players were unfortunately not given the care and consideration they deserved,” said one concerned parent.
They appealed to Sports Minister Satish Sharma – described as efficient and well-regarded – to personally intervene and order a fair review of the entire selection process. The parents also demanded a probe by an independent agency into the functioning of the officials involved and urged for timely communication, proper medical screening and a child-friendly approach in future selections.
While speaking to Excelsior, Divisional Sports Officer Jammu (J&K Sports Council), Sat Pal Singh, clarified the timeline and procedure followed for the Under-14 football selection. He stated, “The All India Football Federation (AIFF) conducted the TW3 test in Srinagar on October 5. The order for the test was issued on October 4, and we had to send the team to Srinagar the same day.” He further informed that a total of 16 players were sent to Srinagar, out of which 10 players successfully cleared the test. The players were accompanied by a coach, and some parents also travelled along with the team to ensure the safety and support of the young athletes
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