Srinagar – The Jammu and Kashmir U-20 football team is set to participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 National Football Championship after a period of uncertainty. Commissioner Secretary for Youth Services and Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, officially flagged off the team from the TRC Football Ground in Srinagar, marking the commencement of their journey to the national stage. The event drew attendance from senior officials of the J&K Sports Council, team coaches, the participating players, and a number of enthusiastic sports fans.
During the send-off ceremony, Dr. Shahid Iqbal extended his congratulations to the team members. He also conveyed his best wishes for their performance in the upcoming championship. Dr. Iqbal urged the players to demonstrate discipline, dedication, and a strong sporting spirit, emphasizing that they should aim to make the Union Territory proud through their performance at the national level. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that this participation is a significant step forward for football in Jammu and Kashmir.
The team’s participation in the championship was initially in doubt. This stemmed from administrative challenges related to the absence of an elected football body within the Union Territory, which led to the team’s initial omission from the official list of fixtures. Dr. Shahid Iqbal played a crucial role in resolving the issue. He actively engaged with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in the Government of India, advocating for the inclusion of the J&K team in the national championship. Dr. Iqbal stressed that the talented footballers of Jammu and Kashmir should not be penalized because of delays in the election process for the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association.
The issue of J&K’s participation was a point of discussion during the recent Chintan Shivir held in Srinagar. Dr. Shahid Iqbal used the platform to highlight the critical need for consistent and uninterrupted participation of players from Jammu and Kashmir in national-level competitions. He argued that sports serve as a vital avenue for the youth of the region to showcase their talents and contribute to the national sporting landscape.
Furthermore, Dr. Iqbal called upon the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to expedite the elections for the JKFA within a defined timeframe, adhering to the guidelines set by the Supreme Court. He assured the AIFF of complete support and cooperation from the J&K Sports Council in facilitating a smooth and transparent election process. The J&K Sports Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the advancement of football within the region. Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, has guaranteed ongoing support to players representing the Union Territory on various national platforms.
The selection process for the U-20 squad was conducted through open and merit-based trials, organized across different districts of Jammu and Kashmir. A residential coaching camp was established in Srinagar on April 9, 2026, designed to provide intensive training and preparation for the selected players. This camp aimed to fine-tune their skills, enhance their tactical understanding, and build team cohesion ahead of the national championship. (The Daily Excelsior reported that Dr. Shahid Iqbal flagged off the team from Srinagar)
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.