Excelsior Sports Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 29: On a day when the nation celebrates National Sports Day, hundreds of outstanding sportspersons in Jammu and Kashmir observed a Black Day to protest the inordinate delay in the release of their final selection list under SO-12. These athletes, many of whom have represented India and Jammu & Kashmir at national and international levels, claim they have been continuously neglected despite their contributions to the country.
The protest was supported by BJP leaders Braham Jyot Satti, State President BJP OBC Morcha and Arun Prabhat, State President BJP Yuva Morcha, who stood in solidarity with the agitating athletes. Both leaders expressed deep concern over the treatment meted out to the sportspersons and blamed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his Government for the current crisis.
Arun Prabhat criticized the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference for failing to finalize the list under SO-12, despite the provisional list being released by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration more than a year ago. “At a time when India is bidding to host the 2036 Olympics and the Prime Minister is promoting sports at every level, it is heartbreaking to see our elite athletes protesting for their rightful jobs,” he said.
Braham Jyot Satti added that these athletes are not demanding charity but their legal rights, which have been denied for years. “Sportspersons from J&K have brought glory to the Union Territory and the nation, yet they remain jobless and ignored. This is a clear betrayal by the National Conference Government,” he said.
An emotional Arvind Satti, one of the outstanding sportspersons awaiting appointment, said, “For the first time in J&K’s history, athletes are forced to observe Black Day on National Sports Day. We appeal to CM Omar Abdullah to break his silence and ensure the release of our final list.”
Narinder Sharma, an international Taekwondo player, highlighted the mental and financial strain the athletes have faced over the years. “We have been waiting for more than 12 years. Thirteen months ago, a provisional list was released, raising our hopes, but the delay continues. We have met several officials and Ministers, but our pleas have gone unheard,” he said.
The sportspersons urged the administration to take immediate steps to finalize the selection list and end their long wait.
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