Dr Shahid Iqbal Flags Off J&K U-20 Football Team for National Championship
Srinagar, May 10 (PTK): Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services and Sports, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Saturday flagged off the Jammu and Kashmir U-20 Football Team from TRC Football Ground in Srinagar for participation in the prestigious Swami Vivekananda U-20 National Football Championship.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by senior officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, coaches, players and sports enthusiasts.
Addressing the players, Dr Shahid Iqbal congratulated the team and extended best wishes for the championship. He urged the players to perform with discipline, dedication and sportsmanship while representing Jammu and Kashmir at the national level.
Officials said the participation of the J&K team in the championship marks a significant achievement for football in the Union Territory, particularly after the team was initially omitted from the official fixtures due to administrative issues linked to the absence of an elected football body in Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue was later resolved following sustained intervention by Dr Shahid Iqbal with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. He stressed that talented footballers from Jammu and Kashmir should not suffer due to delays in elections of the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association.
The matter was also discussed during the recently held Chintan Shivir in Srinagar, where the Commissioner Secretary highlighted the need for uninterrupted participation of J&K players in national competitions.
Dr Shahid Iqbal also urged the All India Football Federation to conduct elections of JKFA within a stipulated timeframe as per Supreme Court guidelines and assured full support from the Sports Council.
Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul reiterated the council’s commitment towards the promotion and development of football in the Union Territory and assured continued support to players representing J&K at national platforms.
Officials informed that the U-20 squad was selected through a transparent and merit-based trial process conducted across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, while a residential coaching camp for players has been underway in Srinagar since April 9, 2026.(PTK)
