The Centre has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 and the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, setting up the framework for regulation and dispute resolution in Indian sports.
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the National Sports Board will act as the central authority for granting recognition to National Sports Bodies and monitoring compliance with governance, financial and ethical standards. The Board will comprise a chairperson and two members appointed by the central government from a panel recommended by the Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted under separate rules notified in 2026.
The notified rules also define the composition of the Board, tenure of office of the Chairperson and Members, along with their salaries, allowances, service conditions, powers and functions
Additionally, the government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Tribunal) Rules, 2026, which outline the appointment process, tenure, salaries, allowances and powers of the tribunal’s chairperson and members.
The ministry said the tribunal will function as a dedicated body for adjudicating sports-related disputes, with the aim of reducing dependence on civil courts and ensuring quicker, independent and cost-effective resolution of issues related to sports governance and administration.
The rules also provide for digital implementation measures, including a dedicated online portal for filing disputes, notices, responses and documents, along with provisions for virtual hearings, publication of orders and maintenance of records.
The Centre said the tribunal is expected to reduce multiple litigations and provide a single-window mechanism for faster and more accessible settlement of sports disputes.
