Centre Notifies National Sports Governance Rules, 2026

The Union Government has notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, laying down a statutory framework for the functioning of National Sports Bodies and Regional Sports Federations.

The Rules prescribe norms on the composition of general bodies and executive committees, inclusion of sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs), election procedures, disqualifications, and registration of affiliate units.

They mandate the inclusion of at least four SOMs in general bodies, with fifty per cent representation for women SOMs, and require adequate representation of women in executive committees.

The Rules also detail eligibility criteria, tiered achievement-based classification of SOMs, election timelines, disqualification grounds, and require sports bodies to amend their bye-laws within six months.