National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 to Professionalize Sports Administration
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Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports | National Sports Board
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. These rules establish a statutory framework for the composition of General Bodies and Executive Committees, election procedures, and disqualification criteria for National Sports Bodies (NSBs) and Regional Sports Federations. A central feature is the mandatory inclusion of at least four Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) in the General Body, with a specific requirement that 50% of these SOMs must be women.
To ensure broader representation, the rules prescribe a 10-tier eligibility criteria for SOMs based on their sporting achievements, ranging from Olympic medalists to national champions. Every NSB is now required to amend its bye-laws within six months to align with these provisions, including the reservation of specific posts for women in the Executive Committee. Additionally, the rules outline the operation of the National Sports Election Panel, which will maintain a roster of at least 20 qualified members to oversee free and fair elections.
What are ‘Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit’ (SOMs) under these rules? They are retired athletes, aged at least 25 years, who have achieved significant success at international or national levels and have not participated in competitive sports for at least one year prior to their application. The rules categorize SOMs into 10 Tiers — from Olympic/Paralympic medalists down to winners at National Games/National Championships— to ensure that administrative roles are filled by individuals with proven expertise.
Policy Relevance
The notification marks a transition from ad-hoc guidelines to a formal statutory framework, aiming to align Indian sports governance with the Olympic and Paralympic Charters while ensuring professional, athlete-centric administration.
Enhanced Gender Parity: By mandating 50% women representation among SOMs in General Bodies and requiring at least four women in Executive Committees, the rules address long-standing gender imbalances in sports leadership.
Institutional Accountability: The establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB) as the apex regulator—with powers to grant, suspend, or cancel recognition—ensures that federations comply with strict governance and financial standards to remain eligible for government funding.
Dispute Resolution Efficiency: The creation of the National Sports Tribunal (NST) provides a quasi-judicial mechanism to resolve conflicts regarding selections, contracts, and elections within a 90-day period, reducing reliance on traditional courts.
Integrity in Leadership: Strict disqualification criteria, including debarring individuals convicted of offenses or those exceeding age and term limits, aim to eliminate personality-driven control and political interference.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How will the mandatory inclusion of high-tier retired athletes in decision-making bodies reshape the long-term strategic priorities and financial allocations of National Sports Federations?
Follow the full news here: NATIONAL SPORTS GOVERNANCE (NATIONAL SPORTS BODIES) RULES, 2026