Jammu, Dec 15 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the selection of the Union Territory’s Santosh Trophy football team was based strictly on merit, rejecting allegations of regional or political bias in the process.

Addressing reporters here at Jammu, Abdullah said sports and education must remain insulated from political considerations and regional divisions.

He said players who make it to state or national teams do so on the basis of performance, commitment and ability, and such selections should be respected.

The chief minister’s remarks come in the wake of criticism from some quarters in Jammu over the composition of the Santosh Trophy squad, with allegations that the team includes a larger number of players from the Kashmir region.

Responding to the concerns, Abdullah said talent alone should determine selection in sports, irrespective of a player’s place of origin.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said regional identity cannot be allowed to outweigh merit, adding that athletes who perform deserve the opportunity to represent the Union Territory.

Abdullah also cautioned against dragging sporting matters into political debate, saying such controversies can adversely affect players’ morale and performance ahead of major tournaments.

Earlier, the Sports Minister had said the government would examine the issue to ensure the selection process was fair and transparent.

However, the chief minister appealed to all sections to support the team, noting that the players would be representing Jammu and Kashmir on a national platform.(KNS).