National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 Establishes Statutory Framework for Sports Bodies

Key facts

• The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the 'National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026' on 'January 13, 2026,' under the 'National Sports Governance Act, 2025.'
• The rules provide a framework for 'National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations' regarding the inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), composition of the general body and executive committee, election procedures, and disqualification criteria.
• The rules mandate the inclusion of at least four sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs) in the General Bodies of National Sports Bodies, with fifty per cent of women SOMs in the General Body.
• To ensure the representation of at least four women in the Executive Committee, the rules provide that every National Sports Body may reserve specific posts for women in the Executive Committee, through its bye-laws.
• Sportspersons applying as SOMs should not be less than twenty-five years of age, must have retired from active sports, and should not have participated in competitive events for at least one year prior to the date of application.
• A 'tiered criteria' featuring '10 tiers' has been prescribed for SOMs, ranging from medalists in the 'Summer Olympic Games, Paralympic Games or Winter Olympic Games' to those who won a medal in the National Games or a National Championship.
• The rules specify that the roster of the National Sports Election Panel shall at all times contain at least twenty members who satisfy statutory qualifications.
• The fee for the electoral officer is subject to a maximum amount of Rs. 5 lakh, with additional fees permitted for a mutually agreed assistant.
• The rules require that every National Sports Body shall amend its bye-laws in conformity with the provisions of the act, within a period of six months.
• The Central Government is authorized to relax the provisions of the Rules for a period of twelve months upon receiving an application from a National Sports Body, provided reasons are recorded in writing.