Discrimination with Kashmiri players

Out of 51 recognized associations, 34 are Jammu based

ABID KHAN

Srinagar, Apr 16: Out of 51 recognized sports associations in the state, 34 run their activities exclusively in Jammu province leaving little scope for Valley based sportsmen to participate in national level events. 
The State Sports Council funds 51 associations out of which only 13 are Kashmir based. Four associations have been declared defunct by the SSC. 
Most of the Jammu based Associations, which include A-class games like Athletics, Gymnastics, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing and Hockey haven’t activated their district units in the Valley. Even they don’t organize activities in Kashmir and national teams comprise of only Jammu players. Despite SSC releases monetary grants to them without any hindrance.
“As most of the Kashmiri players weren’t able to participate in sports activities during militancy period, it resulted in Jammu people taking advantage of the situation. They took over most of the high profile associations and started to sideline Kashmiri players in all sorts of activities,” a senior official of SSC said on the condition of anonymity.  
“During 1990’s SSC gave turmoil as the reason for not selecting Valley players. But despite change in situation in Kashmir, the condition remains the same. Kashmir players don’t even get five percent of share in selection,” he added.
For this discrimination, he blamed Kashmir based SSC members who have not been able to raise the voice against the injustice.
A SSC member told Greater Kashmir, “Both the provinces have same number of members in SSC body. But still Jammu lobby always remains strong. They take whatever benefits they can while Kashmir members remain mute spectators,” 
“SSC lacks accountability. Most of these associations have misused funds by not organizing activities in Kashmir region, which is mandatory” he added.
J&K Sports Development Association, President Mukhtar Rasool blamed SSC for the mess.
“All districts should get equal share in every sports. But Kashmir region gets nothing as compared to Jammu. All the major games are based in Jammu and they don’t give chance to the Valley players. Jammu based associations don’t organize activities in Kashmir but get full monetary benefits from the Council. This can’t happen without involvement of the Council officials,” Mukhtar said.
He said that in high profile games like Boxing and Gymnastic, Valley has not produced single players because of discrimination.
“Valley hasn’t produced even a single gymnast despite having lots of talent. It is because our players don’t get chance. Associations don’t select them for any national event and even doesn’t organize district and provincial level activities for them,” he added.
He said that as compared to Jammu based major Associations most of the Kashmir based Association organize activities in Jammu province.
“Thang-ta, Tennis Ball Cricket, Football, Cricket, Winter Sports and Netball association organize activities in Jammu and give their players equal chance. It is because of that attitude that all these games have produced wonderful results at national level,” he said.
Sports Officer Kashmir, MS Baba agreed that most of the Jammu based Associations don’t organize activities in the Valley.
Asked why they get monetary benefits from the Council, he said, “I’m at loss to understand how they get funds. I send regular updates to higher authorities about the activities of the associations. But higher authorities have not taken any action till date.”
“Even players come to my office complaining about the discrimination, but I’m helpless” he declared.

Jammu Associations 
Athletic, Archery, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Billiard and Snooker, Body Building, Cycling, Fencing, Gymnastic, Hockey, Handball, Indian Style Wrestling, Judo, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Karate-do, Korfball, Lawn Tennis, Mountaineering, Olympic Association, Roller Skating, Swimming, Softball, Table Tennis, Taekwon-do, Volleyball, Veterans Athletic, Wrestling, Women’s Hockey, Women’s cricket, Women’s Football, Wu-Shu and Yoga.

Kashmir Associations
Ball Badminton, Chess, Cricket, Cycle Polo, Carom, Football, Kayaking and Canoeing, Netball, Tenni-Koit, Tennis ball Cricket, Thang-Ta, Water Skiing and Winter Sports,

Defunct Associations 
Weightlifting, Power lifting, Squash Racket, Horse Polo

Publihsed in Greater Kashmir April 17 2009 http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=17_4_2009&ItemID=3&cat=4