On 12 January 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India (GoI) notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies, NSBs) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a legal framework aimed at overhauling the sports governance in India.
- These rules establish mandatory frameworks for NSBs and Regional Sports Federations, focusing on athlete inclusion, transparent elections, and ethical governance aligned with Olympic Charter standards.
Exam Hints:
- What? GOI Notifies National Sports Governance Rules 2026
- Who? Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
- Act base: National Sports Governance Act, 2025
- Representation: At least 4 SOMs in NSBs General Body, 50% women
- Eligibility: Minimum 25 years
- Byelaws Amendment: Within six months
About National Sports Governance Rules 2026:
Representation of Athletes: At least 4 Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) must be included in the General Body of NSBs. At least 50% of these SOMs must be women and at least 4 women must be represented in the Executive Committee. NSBs can reserve specific posts for them in their byelaws.
Eligibility of SOMs: The minimum age of SOMs is 25 years, retire from active sports, and must not have completed selection-level events for at least one year before applying.
Tiered System: It consists of 10 levels based on sporting achievements, ranging from Olympic and Paralympic medalists to medalists at the National Games and National Championships, and is designed to cover all types of sports.
Timelines & Procedures: The election process lays down clear timelines and procedures for electing the Executive Committee, including preparation of electoral rolls and the nomination process.
Disqualification: Anyone convicted and sentenced by a court is disqualified from membership or contesting elections.
Election Panel: The National Sports Election Panel must have at least 20 qualified members and the fee of an Electoral officer is capped at Rs.5 lakhs, along with a mutually agreed fee for an assistant.
Bye-Laws Amendment: All NSBs must amend their byelaws within six months to bring them in conformity with the provisions of the Act and the Rules.
Provision Relaxation: The Central Government is empowered to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of up to twelve months in special cases.
Enhanced Integrity: The rules aim to boost integrity, fairness and transparency, empower former athletes and women, and standardize election and governance processes.
Structured Timelines: The rules specify timelines for every stage of the election, including submission of SOM applications, calling elections, publication of electoral rolls, invitation of nominations, and election conduct.
About the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS):
Union Minister – Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Constituency – Porbandar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS) – Raksha Khadse (Constituency – Raver, Maharashtra)
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