National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Government notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026.

• National Sports Board (NSB) – A central regulatory authority to oversee recognition, governance, and financial standards of National Sports Bodies.
• Aim –To lay down the structure, appointment process, powers and service conditions for the two new bodies that will oversee governance standards and adjudicate sports-related disputes.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Parent Legislation – National Sports Governance Act, 2025. (Replaced the earlier Sports Code framework)

National Sports Board (NSB) Rules, 2026

• Composition – The Board consists of exactly 3 members – One Chairperson and 2 Members.
• Selection Mechanism – Appointed by the Central Government from a panel of names recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.
• Declaration of assets – The Chairperson and each of the Members, before entering his office shall declare his assets, liabilities, financial and other interests, on an annual basis.
• Term of Office – Chairman and members can hold office maximum for 3 years or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• No concurrent positions shall be held by chairperson and members in any international, national, or regional sports bodies and promotion organisations.
• Resignation of Members – A Chairperson or Member can resign by giving written notice to the Central Government. Once the Government accepts it, the office is considered vacant.
• Removal of Members – The central government shall remove Chairperson or any Member if they are
  • Insolvent
  • Convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude.
  • Physically or mentally unfit, or have conflicting financial interests.
  • The Member must be given a chance to explain before action is taken.
• Residuary provisions – Matters with respect to which no express provision has been made in these rules shall be referred to the Central Government for its decision.
• Annual statement of accounts and other relevant records- The Board prepares annual statement of accounts, sends them to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), and the CAG‑certified accounts become official for laying before each House of Parliament.
• Functions of the Board
  • Election Panel Roster – Keep a roster of the National Sports Election Panel (as per Rules, 2026).
  • Affiliate Register – Maintain a register of affiliate units of National Sports Bodies.
  • Public Documents – Both roster and register are public documents under Section 74 of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
  • A roster refers to a systematic list or register used to allocate jobs, tasks, or resources.
• Powers of the Board
  • Model Guidelines – Frame guidelines/regulations on sports governance (committees’ constitution, operation, procedures).
  • Stakeholder Consultations – Hold consultations with stakeholders on sports governance in India.
  • International Best Practices – Recommend adoption of international covenants and practices in sports governance.
  • Capacity Building – Conduct training programmes, workshops, seminars, conferences, including collaborations with international sports bodies.

References

1. PIB | National Sports Governance Rules
2. The Gazette of India | National Sports Governance Rules