National Sports Governance Act, 2025

Key Takeaways

• The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 creates a statutory framework for sports governance in India, focusing on good governance, ethical conduct, athlete welfare, transparency and effective resolution of sports disputes. The Act received Presidential assent on 18 August 2025. Its provisions come into force on dates notified by the Central Government, and different provisions may commence on different dates. – The Act provides for recognised National Sports Bodies, including the National Olympic Committee, National Paralympic Committee, National Sports Federations and Regional Sports Federations. Their governance structure includes a General Body, Executive Committee, Ethics Committee, Dispute Resolution Committee and Athletes Committee.
• A National Sports Board may be established by the Central Government. It has important regulatory functions relating to recognition of sports organisations, registration of affiliate units, inquiries, suspension or cancellation of recognition, athlete welfare and sports governance.
• National Sports Bodies must follow governance requirements relating to composition, athlete representation, women’s representation, eligibility for office, elections, ethical standards and internal grievance redressal.
• The Act requires every National Sports Body to adopt a Code of Ethics, while the National Sports Board must frame a comprehensive Safe Sports Policy, particularly for protecting women, minor athletes and other prescribed persons.
• A National Sports Election Panel is contemplated for strengthening free and fair elections, while a National Sports Tribunal is to provide independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient resolution of sports-related disputes falling within its jurisdiction.
• The Act attempts to balance statutory regulation with the autonomy of sports bodies and international sports governance. National Sports Bodies are primarily to be guided by applicable International Charters and Statutes, and the Central Government may issue clarificatory notifications where a conflict arises between the Act and such international standards.

What Is the National Sports Governance Act, 2025?

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 is a central legislation that establishes a legal framework for the governance and administration of organised sports in India.

The Act seeks to promote the development of sports, protect the welfare of sportspersons, encourage ethical and transparent administration and create an effective system for resolving sports grievances and disputes. Its framework draws upon principles of good governance, ethics and fair play recognised under the Olympic and Paralympic movements, international best practices and established legal standards.

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An important feature of the Act is that it does not treat sports governance purely as an internal matter of sporting associations. At the same time, it recognises the autonomy of sports governing bodies in accordance with the Olympic Charter and Paralympic Charter. The legislation therefore creates a regulatory framework while preserving an important role for international sporting rules and institutional autonomy.

When Did the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 Come Into Force?

The Act received the assent of the President on 18 August 2025.

However, Presidential assent and statutory commencement are separate matters. Section 1 provides that the Act comes into force on such date as the Central Government appoints through a notification in the Official Gazette. Different dates may also be appointed for different provisions.

Therefore, the commencement of a particular provision must be determined with reference to the relevant government notification.

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What Are National Sports Bodies Under the Act?

Section 3 provides for four categories of national sports governing bodies:

• National Olympic Committee, governing multi-sport disciplines and having recognition and affiliation from the International Olympic Committee.
• National Paralympic Committee, governing multi-sport disciplines with recognition and affiliation from the International Paralympic Committee.
• National Sports Federation, established for each designated sport.
• Regional Sports Federation, established as a national sports governing body for a designated sport.

There can be only one National Olympic Committee and one National Paralympic Committee. A National Sports Federation is generally required to possess international recognition and affiliation from the concerned international sports governing body, except where the designated sport has no international governing body.

How Must National Sports Bodies Be Structured?

Section 4 lays down important governance requirements.

Every National Sports Body must have a General Body, consisting of an equal number of representatives from each affiliate unit along with other ex officio members permitted under its bye-laws and applicable International Charters and Statutes.

It must also have an Executive Committee with not more than 15 members. The Act requires:

• at least two sportspersons of outstanding merit;
• two representatives elected from the Athletes Committee; and
• at least four women members.

The statutory structure additionally includes an Ethics Committee, Dispute Resolution Committee and Athletes Committee. The organisation must have a President as its head, a Secretary General responsible for administration and a Treasurer responsible for its funds or accounts.
These provisions seek to bring athlete participation, gender representation, ethical supervision and institutionalised dispute resolution into the governance structure itself.

Who Can Contest Elections to a National Sports Body?

Section 4 also prescribes basic eligibility conditions for election or nomination to an Executive Committee.

A candidate must generally:

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• be an Indian citizen and at least 25 years old;
• have the nomination duly proposed and seconded by a voting member of the General Body;
• not have been declared of unsound mind; and
• comply with applicable age and term requirements under the International Charters and Statutes and the organisation’s bye-laws.

Ordinarily, a person must not be more than 70 years of age on the last date for nomination. A person between 70 and 75 may, however, contest or seek nomination where this is permitted by the applicable International Charters and Statutes and bye-laws.

For the offices of President, Secretary General or Treasurer, additional experience-related requirements apply under the Act.

The Act further permits a person to continuously hold the position of President, Secretary General or Treasurer for up to three consecutive terms, separately or in combination, followed by a mandatory cooling-off period of one term before becoming eligible again for those offices or the Executive Committee.

What Is the National Sports Board?

The National Sports Board is one of the central regulatory institutions contemplated under the Act.

Under Section 5, the Central Government may establish the Board by notification. It consists of a Chairperson and such number of other members as may be prescribed.

The Chairperson and members are appointed by the Central Government from among persons of ability, integrity and standing having special knowledge or practical experience in areas such as public administration, sports governance and sports law. Their appointment is to be based on recommendations of a search-cum-selection committee.

The Board is constituted as a body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal. Its head office is to be situated in Delhi.

What Are the Powers of the National Sports Board?

Section 6 gives the Board extensive regulatory and supervisory responsibilities. Its principal functions include:

• granting recognition to sports organisations and registering affiliate units;
• suspending or cancelling recognition or registration where statutory grounds exist;
• maintaining a register of National Sports Bodies and their affiliate units;
• conducting statutory inquiries;
• facilitating the constitution of ad hoc administrative bodies in specified situations;
• issuing guidelines for Codes of Ethics;
• framing the Safe Sports Policy;
• maintaining the roster of the National Sports Election Panel;
• collaborating with international and national sports organisations; and
• taking prescribed measures for the protection of athletes and support personnel.

The Board therefore performs both regulatory and athlete-protection functions.

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How Can a Sports Organisation Obtain Recognition?

Under Section 8, the Board may grant recognition to a sports organisation as a National Sports Body.

A sports organisation seeking recognition must be organised as one of the following:

• a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or the corresponding law of a State;
• a not-for-profit company incorporated under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013; or
• a trust created under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 or an applicable State trust law.

It must also satisfy other regulatory conditions and have the sole object of development of sports.

Recognition must be renewed periodically in accordance with regulations. Sports organisations already recognised as National Sports Bodies by the Central Government before commencement of the Act are deemed to have Board recognition.

The Board may also, with prior approval of the Central Government, recognise organisations involved in sports governance, athlete support and welfare as National Sports Promotion Organisations.

When Can Recognition Be Suspended or Cancelled?

Section 10 gives the Board power to suspend or cancel recognition of a National Sports Body or registration of an affiliate unit.

Grounds include:

• suspension or cancellation of international recognition;
• suspension or disaffiliation of an affiliate unit by the concerned National Sports Body;
• violation of the Act, rules, regulations or conditions of recognition;
• gross irregularities reported by the Registrar of Companies or Registrar of Societies;
• failure to hold Executive Committee elections or gross irregularities in elections;
• failure to publish annual audited accounts; and
• misuse, misapplication or misappropriation of public funds.

Before taking such action, the Board must follow the prescribed statutory process, which can include consultation and giving the concerned parties a reasonable opportunity to present their case. An appeal against an order suspending or cancelling recognition or registration lies before the National Sports Tribunal.

What Happens When a Sports Body Loses Recognition?

Section 11 provides for ad hoc administrative bodies in specified circumstances.

Where a National Sports Body loses international recognition, the normalisation process under the applicable International Charters and Statutes is to be followed, and the Board is not to interfere with that process.

Where such a mechanism is unavailable, or where Board recognition is suspended or cancelled, an ad hoc administrative body may be constituted through the mechanism applicable to the particular type of organisation.

Its purpose is to administer the concerned sports body or affiliate unit and secure compliance with the Act. An ad hoc administrative body constituted in relation to specified National Sports Bodies may have a maximum of five eminent sports administrators meeting the statutory requirements, including safeguards against conflicts of interest.

What Is the Code of Ethics Under the Act?

Section 12 requires every National Sports Body to formulate a Code of Ethics.

The Code applies broadly to persons connected with the organisation, including Executive Committee members, other committee members, employees, staff, sponsors, coaches, athletes, officials, members and affiliates.

It must establish minimum standards of ethical and appropriate conduct and must be consistent with:

1. guidelines issued by the National Sports Board;
2. Codes of Ethics of relevant International Sports Bodies; and
3. applicable Indian law.

Importantly, the Code must contain measures protecting vulnerable persons against abuse by persons occupying positions of trust, authority, responsibility or influence.

What Is the Safe Sports Policy?

Section 13 requires the National Sports Board to frame a comprehensive Safe Sports Policy.

The policy applies to activities, events, operations and proceedings conducted by National Sports Bodies. It must specifically contain measures for the protection and safety of women and minor athletes, together with other prescribed categories of persons.

Every National Sports Body must also establish an internal grievance redressal mechanism. This mechanism must address grievances of athletes, coaches and other persons associated with the body in a fair, timely and transparent manner.

The provision is important because athlete protection is treated as an institutional governance obligation rather than merely an internal administrative choice.

Are Recognised Sports Bodies Covered by the RTI Act?

Recognition has important consequences for public funding and transparency.

Under Section 14, only a recognised sports organisation is eligible to receive grants or financial assistance from the Central Government.

Where a recognised organisation receives financial assistance from the Central Government or a State Government, it is treated as a public authority under the Right to Information Act, 2005, but specifically with respect to the utilisation of such grants or financial assistance.

Thus, the provision links receipt of public money with a corresponding degree of transparency regarding its utilisation.

How Are Elections of Sports Bodies Regulated?

Section 16 provides for a National Sports Election Panel.

The Central Government, on the recommendations of the Board, is required to notify a panel consisting of persons with substantial electoral experience, such as retired Chief Election Commissioners, Election Commissioners, Deputy Election Commissioners, State Election Commissioners and Chief Electoral Officers of States.

Persons on the panel may act as electoral officers for elections to Executive Committees and Athletes Committees of National Sports Bodies.

National Sports Bodies having affiliate units must also prepare election panels for elections to the Executive Committees of their affiliate units.

This framework is intended to strengthen the institutional credibility and fairness of elections within sports administration.

What Is the National Sports Tribunal?

Section 17 provides for the constitution of the National Sports Tribunal by the Central Government.

The Tribunal consists of:

• a Chairperson; and
• two other members.

Its stated purpose is to provide independent, speedy, effective and cost-efficient disposal of sports-related disputes.

The Chairperson must be a person who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court. The other members must be persons of eminence with substantial knowledge and experience in sports, public administration and law.

The Tribunal determines its own procedure for conducting its business, including timelines for disposal of cases.

Which Matters Cannot Be Decided by the Tribunal?

The Tribunal does not have unlimited jurisdiction.

Section 20 excludes, among others:

• disputes arising during Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games or similar international events;
• matters falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of an internal dispute resolution committee, another tribunal or court, an International Federation or the Court of Arbitration for Sport;
• doping disputes falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of Disciplinary Panels under the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022; and
• matters which applicable International Charters and Statutes require to be decided through a particular mechanism or forum.

This preserves specialised dispute-resolution arrangements already operating within international sport and anti-doping law.

What Powers Does the National Sports Tribunal Have?

The Tribunal has several powers comparable to those of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.

These include powers relating to:

• summoning persons and examining them on oath;
• discovery and production of documents;
• receiving evidence through affidavits;
• calling for public records;
• issuing commissions for examination of witnesses or documents;
• reviewing decisions;
• deciding applications ex parte; and
• setting aside orders passed for default or ex parte.

Proceedings before the Tribunal are treated as judicial proceedings for specified purposes under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Further, civil courts are barred from entertaining proceedings on matters that the Tribunal is empowered to determine. Pending civil cases within the statutory scope, where National Sports Bodies are parties, may also be transferred to the Tribunal in accordance with Section 22.

Can a Tribunal Decision Be Appealed?

Yes, subject to an important exception.

Where the applicable International Charters and Statutes do not provide for an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, an appeal from a final order of the Tribunal lies to the Supreme Court of India.

The appeal must ordinarily be filed within 30 days. The Supreme Court may entertain a delayed appeal where sufficient cause prevented filing within time. No appeal lies against a decision made by the Tribunal with the consent of the parties.

Orders of the Tribunal are executable like decrees of a civil court.

What Are the Rules for Using “India”, “Indian” or “National” in Sports Organisations?

Section 27 regulates the use of national names and insignia.

A sports organisation wishing to use expressions such as “India”, “Indian” or “National”, or national insignia or symbols, in its registered name, operating name, logo or affairs must obtain a no-objection certificate from the Central Government.

An organisation that is not a recognised sports organisation must additionally obtain the written consent of the National Sports Board.

A sports organisation whose recognition has been suspended or cancelled cannot use the name of India, a State or district or conduct specified sports trials, tournaments or events under the statutory framework.

How Does the Act Ensure Financial Accountability?

The legislation establishes a National Sports Board Fund consisting of grants, fees, charges and other sums determined by the Central Government.

The Board must maintain proper accounts and prepare annual statements of accounts. Its accounts are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG). The certified accounts and audit report must be forwarded annually to the Central Government and placed before both Houses of Parliament.

These provisions introduce statutory financial oversight over the functioning of the National Sports Board.

How Does the Act Balance Indian Law and International Sports Rules?

One of the distinctive features of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 is its repeated recognition of international sporting standards.

Section 37 states that National Sports Bodies shall primarily be guided by International Charters and Statutes in governing their affairs.

If a conflict arises between the Act and such international rules, the Central Government may consult the National Sports Board and the concerned International Sports Body and issue a clarificatory notification.

The Central Government also possesses limited powers under Section 34 to exempt a National Sports Body or affiliate unit from all or specified provisions of the Act, rules or regulations for a specified period where statutory conditions are satisfied and the measure is considered necessary in the public interest for promotion of particular sports disciplines.

Importance of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025

The Act creates a broad statutory framework covering several aspects of sports administration that are closely connected with institutional accountability.

Its principal significance lies in creating:

• a formal recognition mechanism for sports organisations;
• governance standards for National Sports Bodies;
• athlete and women’s representation within governing structures;
• ethical and safe-sport obligations;
• safeguards for women and minor athletes;
• institutional mechanisms for grievance redressal;
• structured supervision of sports elections;
• regulatory powers concerning misuse of public funds and governance failures;
• a specialised National Sports Tribunal; and
• interaction between domestic sports law and international sporting rules.

It also provides for government measures relating to sportsperson welfare, protection of sportspersons’ data and privacy, and appropriate use of technology and analytics in sport.

Conclusion

The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 establishes a comprehensive statutory structure for sports governance in India. Rather than dealing only with recognition of sporting federations, it addresses the internal structure of National Sports Bodies, elections, ethical standards, athlete representation, safe sport, grievance redressal, public funding, transparency and specialised dispute resolution.

The National Sports Board performs the principal regulatory role, while National Sports Bodies continue to operate within a framework that gives substantial importance to applicable international sporting charters and statutes. The National Sports Tribunal adds a specialised dispute-resolution mechanism, subject to carefully defined jurisdictional exclusions and appellate arrangements.

Overall, the Act represents an effort to combine autonomy in sports administration with statutory accountability, athlete welfare, transparent governance and international sporting standards. Its practical operation, however, also depends substantially on commencement notifications, rules, regulations and other measures contemplated under the legislation.