MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS has unveiled the draft framework for the National Sports Governance Act, outlining the creation of a three-member National Sports Board (NSB) to oversee the affiliation of sports federations and introduce a tiered eligibility system for Sportspersons of Merit (SOM) seeking roles in sports administration.
The ministry has published the draft rules for the NSB, along with those for the National Sports Tribunal (NST) and the National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) on its official website, inviting public feedback within 30 days.
“The Act seeks to ensure ethical practices, fair play across all levels of sport, safeguard the interests of sportspersons as the primary stakeholders, and create a robust ecosystem for sports in the country,” the ministry stated.
The NSB, described as the most critical component of the Act which was passed by Parliament in August will be responsible not only for granting affiliation to National Sports Federations (NSFs) but also for monitoring their financial operations and imposing penalties in cases of misconduct. NSB affiliation will be mandatory for any NSF seeking government funding.
Appointments to the NSB will be made by a search-cum-selection committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, and comprising the Sports Secretary, along with one expert in sports administration and two national sports awardees nominated by the Central Government.
An age cap of 65 years has been set for all NSB members, who may serve a second term, subject to this limit. Members will be prohibited from holding any position in international or national sports bodies, their affiliates, or any National Sports Promotion Organisation during their tenure.
For the National Sports Tribunal, members will hold office for four years with an age cap of 67. They will be barred from practising before the Tribunal after retirement and from accepting any arbitration assignments while in office. The NST aims to ensure that sports-related disputes are resolved outside regular courts, where over 300 cases are currently pending.
The draft also sets out a tiered framework for SOM, encouraging athletes to participate in sports governance. Every sports federation’s General Body will be required to include at least four or more SOMs, either elected or nominated.
The NSEP, tasked with overseeing elections across national sports bodies, will maintain a minimum roster of 20 members at all times.
