New Sports Law Begins to Reshape India’s Sports Governance

India’s sports administration has entered a new phase with the partial implementation of a landmark law from the beginning of 2026. The new legal framework aims to bring transparency, accountability, and athlete focused decision-making in sports bodies. By regulating how sports federations function, the government hopes to professionalise sports governance and create a fair system that supports athletes while maintaining ethical and financial discipline.

Why in the News?

Select provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 have come into effect from January 1, 2026. The Union government has activated sections that establish new oversight bodies and set rules for national sports federations, marking a major reform in India’s sports governance system.

What is the National Sports Governance Act?

• The National Sports Governance Act, notified in August 2025, is designed to regulate the functioning of sports bodies in India.
• It applies to institutions such as the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, and National Sports Federations.
• The Act aims to align Indian sports administration with Olympic and Paralympic Charters, promote ethical practices, and ensure fair treatment of athletes.
• It also introduces legal backing to reforms that were earlier based mainly on government guidelines.

New Oversight Bodies Under the Act

• A major feature of the Act is the creation of strong institutional mechanisms.
• The National Sports Board (NSB) will be a three-member body empowered to grant affiliations, monitor finances, decide funding eligibility, and take action against misconduct.
• Alongside it, the National Sports Tribunal (NST) will handle sports-related disputes, ensuring faster and specialised resolution.
• These bodies are expected to reduce political interference and long delays in resolving conflicts within sports federations.

Changes in Sports Federation Structure

• Under the new law, all national and regional sports federations must limit their Executive Committees to 15 members.
• Importantly, each committee must include at least two Sportspersons of Merit, ensuring athletes have a voice in decision making.
• This step addresses long-standing concerns about administrators dominating federations without adequate athlete representation.
• Elections under the Act will be held after full implementation, allowing a smooth transition for federations.

Key Summary At Glance

Question

Q. The National Sports Board under the National Sports Governance Act is responsible for:

A. Selecting national teams
B. Granting affiliations and monitoring finances
C. Organising international tournaments
D. Coaching athletes