J&K Sports Council Rejects Rakesh Kumar's Recruitment Allegations, Says He Never Applied

The Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council has rejected allegations made by para archer Rakesh Kumar regarding his reported exclusion from the recruitment process under S.O.-12 of 2022, stating that official records show he never submitted an application for the advertised posts.

In a statement, the Sports Council said claims that Kumar was unfairly excluded from the selection process were "factually incorrect" and asserted that his candidature was never available for consideration by either the Scrutiny Committee or the Selection Committee.

According to the Council, the recruitment process was conducted in accordance with the prescribed rules. It noted that the General Merit List was published by the Youth Services & Sports Department on July 19, 2024, and remained in the public domain for 15 days to invite objections, corrections or grievances.

The Council said Kumar did not file any objection or raise concerns during that period.

It further stated that Kumar submitted a representation only after the Provisional Selection List was issued on February 11, 2026, seeking inclusion in the recruitment process. Since he had not applied under the original notification, the request could not be considered under the applicable recruitment rules, the Council said.

"The issue is not one of exclusion, but rather of non-participation in the recruitment process," the statement said.

The Sports Council added that it respects the achievements and contributions of all athletes but urged that public statements regarding official recruitment processes be based on "accurate and verifiable facts."

The department also warned that it reserves the right to initiate legal action against individuals found to be knowingly disseminating false or misleading information about the recruitment process if it results in public confusion or disrupts official proceedings.

Rakesh Kumar has previously alleged that he was unfairly excluded from recruitment under S.O.-12 of 2022. The Sports Council has now formally denied those allegations, maintaining that the recruitment was conducted transparently and in accordance with the applicable rules.