India’s Sports Ministry has set November 14 as the deadline for public feedback on the National Sports Governance Act draft, aimed at reforming sports administration and ensuring athlete protection.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has invited public feedback on the draft rules of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, which aims to reform the country’s sports governance system and streamline dispute resolution processes. The deadline for submitting suggestions is November 14, 2025, the Ministry announced.
According to the official statement, the draft rules for the National Sports Board (NSB), National Sports Tribunal (NST), and National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) have been published on the Ministry’s website. The government has encouraged citizens, athletes, and sports bodies to share their opinions via post or email at official government site.
“These rules have been designed to ensure the effective implementation of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025,” said the Ministry. “The Act promotes ethical conduct, transparency, and fair play in all aspects of sports while prioritizing the welfare of athletes.”
Aim and Implementation Timeline
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has expressed his intent to implement the new governance framework by mid-2026, with the National Sports Board (NSB) expected to be finalized by the end of this year.
The NSB will hold significant authority over India’s sports governance ecosystem. It will not only grant affiliations to National Sports Federations (NSFs) but also monitor their financial operations and impose penalties for violations. For any NSF to receive government funding, it will be mandatory to secure NSB affiliation.
Composition and Tenure
The Board will include a chairperson and two members with experience in public administration, sports governance, or sports law. Appointments will be made by a search-cum-selection committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, along with the Sports Secretary, one expert in sports administration, and two national award-winning sportspersons nominated by the government.
Each member will serve a three-year term or until the age of 65, whichever comes first. Members can be reappointed for one additional term within the age limit.
National Sports Tribunal (NST)
The NST will function as an independent body to handle sports-related disputes and reduce the burden on traditional courts, which currently have over 300 pending sports cases. Members of the tribunal will serve for four years with an age cap of 67 years.
Tribunal members will not be allowed to take up arbitration assignments or legal practice before the tribunal during their tenure. Furthermore, for two years after leaving office, they cannot accept employment connected to any entity involved in tribunal proceedings.
Athlete Representation in Governance
The National Sports Governance Act also introduces a structured approach to include athletes in sports administration. Every sports federation’s general body must include at least four ‘Sportspersons of Merit’, either elected or nominated.
Eligible athletes must have retired for at least one year before joining administration. For positions in the National Olympic Committee, eligibility requires having won an Olympic medal or having participated in at least one Olympic Games. For national federations, the criteria are slightly relaxed — athletes with National Sports Awards or World Championship medals may qualify.
Athletes will be categorized into ten tiers based on their achievements. Tier one includes Olympic medalists, while tier two includes athletes who have competed in at least two Olympic or Winter Olympic Games.
National Sports Election Panel (NSEP)
The National Sports Election Panel (NSEP) will oversee elections in national sports bodies. It will maintain a minimum roster of 20 members to ensure smooth and fair conduct of elections.
Conclusion
The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 marks a major step toward creating a transparent, accountable, and athlete-centered sports governance system in India. By inviting public participation, the government aims to strengthen trust and ensure collective progress in Indian sports.
For those following the latest sports news, this development represents a crucial move toward reshaping how sports are managed and governed in the country.
