Transparency, Accountability, Athletes First: Key Features of the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026

On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 to reform and standardize the functioning of sports bodies in India by creating a transparent, accountable, and athlete–centric governance system.

The provisions came into force on 25 May 2026.

All you need to know about the National Sports Board:

1. These Rules come under the ambit of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.

2. Composition: Central Government will appoint the Chairperson and two members of the Board from the panel of names recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.

3. The Chairperson and the members will:

   • Declare their assets, liabilities, and financial interests before starting their job and then every year.

   • Also confirm that they do not have any financial or other interests that could affect their work or decisions unfairly.

4. Term of Office: the Chairperson and every Member will serve for three years or until they turn 65 years of age, whichever comes first.

5. Restrictions during tenure: They cannot hold any position in:

   • International Sports Bodies;

   • National Sports Bodies;

   • Their affiliated units;

   • National Sports Promotion Organizations.

6. Re-appointment process: If the Chairperson or a Member is to be re-appointed, the selection will follow the rules of the Search-cum-Selection Committee 2026.

7. Eligibility for re-appointment:

   • They can be re-appointed only once, for one more term.

   • This is subject to the age limit of 65 years.

8. The Chairperson and Members are eligible to use the Central Government Health Scheme.

9. Functions of the Board: The Board will:

   • Keep a list of members of the National Sports Election Panel.

   • Maintain a register of all affiliate units of National Sports Bodies.

   • These records will be public documents; anyone can access them legally.

10. Additional Powers of the Board: The Board can also:

    • Issue guidelines and rules for better sports governance.

    • Consult stakeholders, athletes, officials, organizations, on sports matters.

    • Suggest international best practices for improving sports governance.

    • Organize training, workshops, seminars, and conferences, even with international bodies.

Read more:

National Sports Governance Act, 2025: A Statutory Framework for Ethical and Transparent Sports Administration

[National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026: Key Features, Functions, and Governance Reforms Explained, dt. 22 May 2026]