Overview
- Lt Governor Manoj Sinha opened the Jammu conference, urging a firewall between sports and politics and calling for selection processes with no room for doubt.
- UT authorities have ordered probes into alleged regional bias in the Santosh Trophy football squad and the Under-14 boys’ cricket team selections, while the J&K Sports Council has denied wrongdoing.
- On day two, Sports Minister Satish Sharma said the government is pursuing international-standard facilities, including modern cricket stadiums in the twin capital cities, and strengthening Khelo India Centres.
- Organisers say the meet will craft actionable strategies to bolster grassroots infrastructure, link sport with education and life skills, broaden participation of girls and youth, and raise competitive performance.
- Sinha cautioned against viewing every selection with suspicion and cited hurdles faced by a disabled medal-winning athlete to urge administrative reform and greater inclusion.