India’s National Sports Board to Transform Governance by Year-End

India is poised to revolutionize its sports governance with the formation of the National Sports Board (NSB) by the end of December 2025, a pivotal step in implementing the National Sports Governance Act. According to a sports ministry source, the NSB, which will hold supreme authority to grant or suspend affiliations to National Sports Federations (NSFs) and monitor their financial conduct, is on track to be established within the next three months, with full implementation of the Act targeted for January 2026.

The NSB will consist of a chairperson and members, appointed by the central government based on recommendations from a search-cum-selection committee led by the Cabinet Secretary. These appointees will be individuals of integrity with expertise in public administration, sports governance, sports law, or related fields.

The Board’s mandate includes ensuring NSFs comply with strict criteria for affiliation, a prerequisite for receiving central government funding. It will also have the power to de-recognize federations for failing to hold proper elections, committing irregularities, or misusing public funds, though such actions will require consultation with relevant global sports bodies.

In parallel, the National Sports Tribunal and the National Sports Election Panel are in early stages of formation. The Tribunal, endowed with the powers of a civil court, will be led by a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge or High Court Chief Justice, aiming to resolve sports disputes efficiently and reduce lengthy court battles. Its decisions will only be appealable in the Supreme Court. The Election Panel, composed of retired election officials, will ensure transparent elections for NSF Executive and Athletes Committees.

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Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has emphasized the Act’s transformative potential, with the NSB as its cornerstone. As regulations for the Act’s execution are being framed, India’s sports ecosystem is set for a new era of accountability and fairness.

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