New National Sports Governance Rules Set to Transform Sports Bodies in India

The Union Government has unveiled the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. These rules aim to enhance the representation of sportspersons, particularly women, in sports governance. Key features include the establishment of a National Sports Election Panel, detailed election procedures, and specific eligibility criteria for sportspersons of outstanding merit. The rules also outline disqualification criteria for members of National Sports Bodies. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the governance framework of sports in India, ensuring a more structured and inclusive approach to sports administration.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 01:56 IST

Introduction of New Governance Framework

The Union Government has officially announced the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, which are established under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Key Features of the New Rules

These regulations lay out a comprehensive framework for incorporating sportspersons of exceptional merit, structuring the general body and executive committee, as well as outlining election processes and disqualification criteria for members of National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations, according to a release from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Additionally, the rules detail the establishment of the National Sports Election Panel and clarify the procedures for registering and updating affiliate units with the National Sports Board.

Representation of Sportspersons

A significant aspect of these rules is the requirement for at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) to be included in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies. To promote gender equality, the rules mandate that fifty percent of these SOMs must be women.

Furthermore, to ensure female representation in the Executive Committee, the rules stipulate that every National Sports Body should reserve specific positions for women, as outlined in the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for SOMs

The eligibility criteria for sportspersons aspiring to be recognized as SOMs include a minimum age of twenty-five, retirement from active sports, and a one-year gap from participating in competitive events that could lead to selection for district, state, or national representation.

The rules also introduce a tiered system that considers the nature of sports and the level of achievements attained by Indian athletes across various disciplines.

Election Procedures and Disqualifications

The rules meticulously outline the election process for the Executive Committee, detailing timelines from the application submission to the final electoral roll and nomination invitations.

Disqualifications for membership in the General Body or any committee of a National Sports Body include individuals convicted of crimes resulting in imprisonment, barring them from contesting elections.

National Sports Election Panel and Fees

The National Sports Election Panel must consist of at least twenty qualified members at all times, as specified by the National Sports Governance Act 2025.

The electoral officer's fee, chosen from the Election Panel, will be determined by mutual agreement with the National Sports Body, capped at Rs. 5 lakh, along with any agreed fees for assistants.

Conclusion

Every National Sports Body is required to amend its bye-laws to align with the new regulations within six months. The Central Government is also authorized to relax certain provisions for a year upon receiving a request from a National Sports Body, provided there are valid reasons.

The introduction of the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules signifies a pivotal step towards establishing a structured sports governance framework following the enactment of the National Sports Governance Act 2025.