JAMMU, August 13 – A group of sportspersons in Jammu have extended their indefinite hunger strike to seven days, protesting alleged irregularities in the selection list for government appointments under the sports quota. The protesters, led by judo player Ranjodh Singh, are demanding a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the demonstration is taking place near the Maharaja Hari Singh statue. The aggrieved athletes are calling for accountability from all officials and individuals implicated in the alleged manipulation of the selection process. Their specific objections are directed at the existing S.O. 12 list, under which they claim fairness has been compromised.
The sportspersons highlighted significant discrepancies, questioning how four out of five gazetted appointments were reportedly made from a single non-Olympic discipline (Category B) and how 72 beneficiaries were allegedly from one assembly constituency. They contend that these anomalies point towards favouritism, which has denied deserving athletes their rightful opportunities and promotions.
Protesters allege that accomplished athletes who have secured medals in prestigious international events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Paralympics have been deliberately overlooked for gazetted appointments. Instead, they claim, preference was given to individuals from sports disciplines not recognized in these major international competitions. Ranjodh Singh, who also serves as the vice president and chairman of the Sports Cell of Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) in Jammu and Kashmir, stated his resolve to continue the hunger strike until their demands are met.
Singh informed media personnel that even if he requires hospitalization, the hunger strike and protest would be sustained by other participating sportspersons. He expressed disappointment that no government representative had yet engaged with the protesting athletes. The ongoing agitation follows the issuance of the Jammu and Kashmir government’s selection list on June 10, 2026, for the appointment of outstanding sportspersons as per S.O. 12 of 2022.
The demands of the protesting athletes extend beyond a simple investigation. They are seeking a comprehensive review of all amendments made to the relevant rules and the methodology employed for awarding points in the selection process. Furthermore, they are calling for an investigation into any alleged procedural irregularities or manipulation. Ultimately, the sportspersons seek the implementation of a transparent, merit-based sports recruitment policy that safeguards the interests of athletes across all recognized disciplines.
Support for the protesting sportspersons has come from various political circles, with leaders from both the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extending their solidarity. The prolonged demonstration underscores deep-seated concerns within the sporting community regarding fairness and transparency in recruitment processes governed by sports quotas.
The Chenab Times News Desk