Sports Council enforces National Sports Code across J&K

Srinagar, Jan 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has begun strict enforcement of the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, forcing sports associations across the Union Territory to comply with age, tenure and governance norms in a move aimed at overhauling sports administration and protecting athletes’ interests.

The move, as per J&K Sports Council’s top officials, comes amid judicial scrutiny in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by former state badminton players seeking enforcement of age and tenure norms under the Sports Code.

The Division Bench of the High Court, comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, had earlier expressed strong displeasure over non-compliance and failure of stakeholders, including the Sports Council and sports associations, to file responses in the PIL.

The court’s firm stance has accelerated corrective action on the ground.

Meanwhile, as per the sources, the Sports Council has conveyed a clear message that no office-bearer, irrespective of political standing or past influence, will be allowed to continue in violation of the Sports Code.

The PIL petitioners had highlighted that several associations were being run for years by individuals who had crossed the age of 70, in blatant violation of the Sports Code, 2011.

Officials indicated that further scrutiny of sports bodies is underway and that compliance with the National Sports Code will be mandatory for recognition, funding and operational support.