National Sports Board to be formed by December, confirms ministry source

The long-awaited National Sports Board (NSB), a key feature of the National Sports Governance Act, will be constituted within the next three months, the Sports Ministry has confirmed.

Full rollout by January

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has assured that the Act will be fully implemented by January 2026. “The process to set up the Board is already underway, and regulations for the implementation of the Act are being finalised,” a ministry source told PTI.

Powers and structure of the Board

The NSB will regulate National Sports Federations (NSFs), granting or suspending affiliation, and monitoring their financial conduct. It will consist of a chairperson and members appointed by the central government, selected from experts in public administration, sports governance, law, and related fields. The appointments will be recommended by a search-cum-selection committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary.

Oversight and accountability

All NSFs will be required to seek affiliation from the NSB to qualify for central funding. The Board can de-recognise federations failing to hold elections, committing irregularities in poll procedures, or misusing public funds. However, it must consult the respective global body before taking such action.

Linked institutions on the way

The ministry is also working on the creation of the National Sports Tribunal and the National Sports Election Panel. The Tribunal will have powers of a civil court, with orders challengeable only in the Supreme Court, while the Election Panel will ensure free and fair polls in sports bodies.