The National Sports Governance Act came into effect partially on January 1, 2026, and introduced key provisions that reshape the governance of sports bodies in India.
The government had notified the Act on August 18, 2025, and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya described it as the single biggest sporting reform in the country.
The provisions establish a framework for the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations (NSFs), and Regional Sports Federations. With partial implementation, the government began constituting the National Sports Board (NSB) and the National Sports Tribunal (NST).
Furthermore, the Sports Ministry confirmed that all sports bodies must form Executive Committees with no more than 15 members, including at least two Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs). The NSB will include a Chairperson and members appointed by the Central Government based on recommendations from a search-cum-selection committee. Members must demonstrate integrity, ability, and expertise in sports governance, law, or public administration.
Moreover, the ministry explained that the phased rollout ensures a smooth transition to the statutory framework. NSFs with pending elections may postpone them until December, which means the All India Football Federation will hold elections later in the year.
The NSB, designed as a three-member body, will grant affiliation to NSFs, monitor their financial operations, and penalise misconduct. NSFs must secure NSB affiliation to qualify for government funding. The Act sets an age cap of 65 years for NSB members, with reappointment allowed for one additional term. NST members will serve four years with an age cap of 67.
In addition, the Act mandates the creation of a National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) to oversee elections of NSFs and other sports bodies. The rules encourage athletes to take administrative roles, with eligibility criteria based on achievements. Olympic medalists and participants qualify for the National Olympic Committee, while National Sports Award winners and World Championship medalists qualify for federations.
Finally, the ministry outlined a tiered system of 10 levels, ranging from Olympic medalists at the top to athletes with achievements in other recognised events. This structure aims to integrate athletes into governance and ensure accountability across sports administration.
