Source: News on Air
What is the development?
On 12 January 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies—NSBs) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The rules aim to overhaul sports governance in India by mandating athlete inclusion, transparent elections, and ethical administration, aligned with Olympic Charter standards.
Key Provisions of the National Sports Governance Rules, 2026
1. Athlete Representation (Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit—SOMs)
- Minimum 4 SOMs in the General Body of every NSB
- At least 50% women among SOMs
- Minimum 4 women in the Executive Committee
- NSBs may reserve posts for SOMs in their byelaws
2. Eligibility Criteria for SOMs
- Minimum age: 25 years
- Must have retired from active sport
- Must not have participated in selection-level events for at least one year prior to application
3. Tiered Classification of SOMs
- 10-tier system based on sporting achievements
- Ranges from:
- Olympic & Paralympic medalists
- To National Games and National Championship medalists
- Ensures inclusive coverage across sports disciplines
4. Governance & Ethics
- Mandatory frameworks for NSBs and Regional Sports Federations
- Emphasis on:
- Transparent elections
- Ethical governance
- Athlete-centric decision-making
- Alignment with international best practices (Olympic Charter)
About the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS)
- Union Minister: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar, Gujarat)
- Minister of State: Raksha Khadse (Raver, Maharashtra)
