The Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs has allowed all National Sports Federations (NSFs), including the All India Football Federation (AIFF), to defer their elections until December 31, 2026. The decision has been taken to facilitate a smooth transition to the newly enacted National Sports Governance (NSG) Act, 2025.
Letter issued to federations
In a letter dated December 22, 2025, addressed to all NSFs and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the ministry stated that additional time is required to implement the structural and electoral reforms mandated under the new law. The ministry said federations need adequate preparation time to align their constitutions and bye-laws with the NSG Act.
Key changes under NSG Act
As per the provisions of the NSG Act, the strength of an NSF’s Executive Committee will be capped at 15 members. It will be mandatory to include at least four Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM) in the committee. The tenure of the Executive Committee has also been limited to four years.
Restructuring of general bodies
Federations have been instructed to restructure their general bodies and ensure that all constituent units comply with the provisions of the NSG Act. The ministry reviewed existing election schedules and concluded that immediate implementation of these changes would be difficult without a transition period.
One-time transitional measure
The ministry clarified that NSFs whose elections are scheduled in the coming months may defer them till December 31, 2026, as a one-time transitional arrangement. However, this relaxation will not apply in cases where courts have issued specific directions regarding elections.
Continuation of existing office-bearers
During the extended period, the current Executive Committees of the respective federations will continue in office. The tenure of existing office-bearers will be extended for the duration of the deferment, subject to approval by the federation’s General Body.
Replacement of Sports Code
The National Sports Governance Act, 2025, received presidential assent on August 18, 2025, after being passed during the monsoon session of Parliament. The Act will replace the Sports Code of 2011 and aims to bring greater transparency, athlete representation and uniform governance standards across Indian sports bodies.
Implementation timeline
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently stated that all procedural formalities related to the Act have been completed and that the legal implementation is being vetted. He added that the Act is expected to come into force from January next year.
(According to The Indian Express)
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