India Sets January 1 Start for National Sports Governance Act Rollout
The move triggers creation of a National Sports Board, with a tribunal for disputes, with funding eligibility tied to NSB affiliation.
Overview
- The Sports Ministry notified partial commencement for January 1, 2026, activating specified sections that establish a statutory governance framework for the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, national federations and regional bodies.
- Constitution of the National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal begins, with NSB appointments made by the Centre on the recommendations of a search‑cum‑selection committee and age caps set at 65 for NSB members and 67 for tribunal members.
- The NSB is proposed as a three‑member body empowered to grant affiliation, monitor federation finances and impose penalties for violations.
- National Sports Federations must obtain NSB affiliation to remain eligible for government funding.
- Federations with near‑term polls may postpone elections until December, with future executive committees limited to 15 members and at least two designated Sportspersons of Merit.