J&K fails to field team for U-17 National Football Championship
“All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already announced the fixtures for the championship, which will be held in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, from July 27 to 31. J&K does not figure anywhere,” he said
12:09 AM Jul 26, 2025 IST
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Jahangir Sofi
Srinagar, Jul 25: In a setback for Jammu & Kashmir football, J&K has failed to send a team for the U-17 Boys National Football Championship (BC Roy Trophy) 2025-26, ending consistent participation in one of India’s most prestigious youth tournaments.
The omission came to light after former J&K Football Association (JKFA) assistant general secretary Bilal Ahmad Punjabi flagged the issue on social media. Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Bilal said no trials, selection camps, or coaching sessions were conducted this year.
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“All India Football Federation (AIFF) has already announced the fixtures for the championship, which will be held in Balaghat, Madhya Pradesh, from July 27 to 31. J&K does not figure anywhere,” he said.
As per the football observers in the region, the lapse has crushed the hopes of players in the eligible age group for this year’s tournament. For many, this was the final chance to represent J&K at the national level.
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“It is shocking and disappointing. Players who prepared for this competition have lost their only opportunity,” said a senior District Football Association (DFA) Srinagar official.
Meanwhile, a senior Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council (JKSC) official acknowledged the issue but claimed the Sports Council had no mandate for team selection.
“AIFF appointed a committee to run football affairs. No mandate was given to us for trials or selections. If AIFF authorises us, we can still try to send a team in accordance with the fixture,” the official said.
Observers say J&K’s football structure has been in turmoil since the suspension of JKFA, with the Sports Council stepping in to manage participation in national events.
However, no coordination with AIFF or initiative for trials was made this year, raising questions over governance and accountability.
A Srinagar-based footballer said that as the BC Roy Trophy kicks off in Madhya Pradesh this weekend, J&K’s absence will mark a historic low for a region known for its deep footballing roots.
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