National Sports Governance Act, 2025 — NSB & NST Rules

Composition: Chairperson + 2 members, appointed by Central Govt on recommendation of search-cum-selection committee
Term: 3 years or age 65, whichever earlier; one re-appointment allowed
Powers: Grant, suspend, or cancel recognition of NSFs → only recognised bodies get govt. funding
Must frame a Safe Sports Policy to protect women, minors, and vulnerable participants
Mandates NSFs to adopt Code of Ethics aligned with international bodies (IOC, WADA)
First time statutory oversight replaces reliance on executive orders
Strong conflict of interest and transparency provisions

Composition: Chairperson (sitting/former SC judge or CJ of High Court) + 2 eminent members (sports, law, public administration)
Term: 4 years; age cap 67 years
Powers: Civil court powers; adjudicates selection, governance, and election disputes
Target: Dispute resolution within 90 days
Appeals: Directly to Supreme Court (within 30 days) — bypasses High Courts
Bar on civil court jurisdiction for matters under NST
Pending cases transferred to NST and continue from prior stage

♦ Former election officials experienced under Representation of the People Act, 1951

♦ Oversees free and fair elections in national sports bodies and affiliates

♦ Electoral officers' fees capped at ₹5 lakh

♦ State and district election panels also mandated for affiliates

♦ SOMs (Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit): Minimum 4 SOMs as voting members in General Body of every NSF

♦ Women's quota: 50% of SOMs in General Body must be women; at least 4 women in Executive Committee

♦ SOM eligibility: Minimum age 25; 10-tier criteria (Olympic medalists → national champions)

♦ Disqualification criteria: Criminal convictions bar membership; detailed grounds specified

♦ Mandatory committees in each NSF: General Body, Executive Committee, Ethics Committee, Dispute Resolution Committee, Athletes Committee

♦ Registration: Mandatory registration and periodic updating of affiliate units with NSB

♦ Bye-law amendments: All NSFs must amend bye-laws within 6 months to align with the Act

♦ RTI applicability: Recognised sports organisations deemed public authorities under RTI Act, 2005 for statutory functions

♦ Funding: Only NSB-recognised federations eligible for central government grants

Within jurisdiction.

Outside jurisdiction