BJP welcomes appointment of new Sports Secretary

BJP Jammu & Kashmir Spokesperson Rajni Sethi today welcomed the Government’s decision to transfer Nuzhat Gul from the post of Secretary, J&K Sports Council, and appoint Tazayun Mukhtar, JKAS, as the new Secretary of the Sports Council, describing the move as a positive and much-needed step for the sporting community of Jammu & Kashmir.

She said the decision has generated a sense of hope and renewed confidence among young sportspersons across the Union Territory, who have been looking for a fair, transparent and merit-based sporting environment.

“Der aaye, durust aaye. The concerns and aspirations of our sportspersons deserve to be heard, and this decision is being seen as a positive sign by the sporting fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir,” she said.

Sports is not merely an extracurricular activity but an important career avenue for thousands of talented youngsters. Those who dedicate years to training and competition deserve an environment where their talent, hard work and performance are recognized without discrimination or favouritism.

There have been concerns and grievances among sections of sportspersons regarding inadequate opportunities, lack of transparency and a perceived pick-and-choose approach. Such perceptions are not conducive to a healthy sporting ecosystem. The Sports Council must ensure that every genuine and capable sportsperson gets an equal opportunity to progress, irrespective of region, background or personal considerations.

The new leadership is expected to make merit the central criterion for identifying and promoting sporting talent. There should be no “Jammu versus Kashmir” approach and no preference for individuals based on personal equations. A talented youngster from Jammu and an equally talented youngster from Kashmir must receive the same opportunity to prove themselves.

There is also an urgent need to address gaps in sports infrastructure, playing fields, coaching facilities, equipment, training centres and exposure opportunities. A comprehensive assessment of existing facilities across Jammu & Kashmir and timely corrective measures can give a major boost to sporting talent at the grassroots level.

Jammu & Kashmir possesses immense sporting potential, with several young athletes already bringing laurels to the Union Territory at national and international platforms. What is required is a system that identifies genuine talent at the grassroots, provides professional coaching and modern facilities, and creates adequate opportunities for competition and career development.

The promotion of sports also has a larger social significance in Jammu & Kashmir. The region has suffered from terrorism and sustained attempts by forces across the border to mislead and divert young minds. Sports provides youth with discipline, confidence, purpose and a constructive, career-oriented path.

Encouraging greater participation in sports can therefore play an important role in channelizing the energy of the youth towards nation-building and a positive future.

The BJP has consistently emphasized the need to provide greater opportunities to the youth and promote sports as an important instrument of empowerment and development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit and Positive Jammu & Kashmir can only be achieved when young people are given equal opportunities to excel in every field—be it sports, education, agriculture, entrepreneurship or other emerging sectors.

The BJP expressed hope that the new Secretary, Tazayun Mukhtar, will work with transparency, accountability and sensitivity towards the concerns of sportspersons and usher in a renewed culture of merit and equal opportunity in the J&K Sports Council.

“Every child deserves a fair chance, and every genuine sportsperson deserves recognition based on merit. We hope this change will mark the beginning of a new and positive chapter for the sporting fraternity of Jammu & Kashmir,” she added.