Published: 7 January 2026PIBGovernance
National Sports Governance Rules 2026 Notified; Mandate 50% Women Among Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit
The Union Government notified the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 on January 8, 2026, mandating 50% women representation among sportspersons of outstanding merit in key governance positions. The rules were issued under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The notification establishes a framework for constituting a Search-cum-Selection Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary to recommend candidates for the National Sports Board. The committee comprises the Secretary of Sports, one person with experience in sports administration, and two recipients of national sports awards such as Arjuna Award or Khel Ratna.
The 50% women mandate applies specifically to the category of sportspersons of outstanding merit who serve on governance bodies of national sports federations. This addresses the chronic underrepresentation of women in Indian sports administration, where female participation in leadership roles has historically remained below 10%. The rules also establish term limits, age caps, and cooling-off periods for federation officials.
These reforms respond to long-standing Supreme Court directives and recommendations from the Lodha Committee on sports governance reform. The National Sports Governance Act 2025 was enacted to professionalise Indian sports bodies, reduce nepotism, and align governance standards with international best practices ahead of India's preparations for major global sporting events.
0Mains angle
Q: Critically examine the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 with respect to women's representation and institutional reform of Indian sports bodies.
Answer (50 words):
Notified on 12 January 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act 2025, the Rules mandate 50% women representation among sportspersons of outstanding merit in governance bodies. A Cabinet Secretary-chaired Search-cum-Selection Committee nominates the National Sports Board. Term limits, age caps, and cooling-off periods address chronic nepotism and under-10% female leadership.
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Practice MCQ from this story
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Linked questionMedium
Under the National Sports Governance Rules 2026, what percentage of Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) must be women?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe National Sports Governance Rules 2026 require at least 4 SOMs in the General Body of each National Sports Body, with 50% being women. SOMs must be at least 25 years old and retired from active sport.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key provisions of the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 regarding women sportspersons?
The **National Sports Governance Rules, 2026** (notified under the **National Sports Governance Act, 2025**) require at least **4 Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs)** in the General Body of each **National Sports Body**, with **50% being women**. SOMs must be at least **25 years old**, **retired from active sport**, and not have competed for at least **one year**. Electoral Officer fees are capped at **₹5 lakh per election**.
What are the eligibility criteria for Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs) under the National Sports Governance Rules 2026?
Under the **National Sports Governance Rules, 2026**, a **Sportsperson of Outstanding Merit (SOM)** must be: at least **25 years old**, **retired from active sport**, and must **not have competed for at least one year**. At least **4 SOMs** are required in the General Body of each National Sports Body, with **50% being women**. A **Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary** selects National Sports Board members. Members are eligible for **one re-appointment**.
What is the role of the Cabinet Secretary in the National Sports Governance Rules 2026?
Under the **National Sports Governance Rules, 2026**, a **Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary** will select members of the **National Sports Board**. Board members are eligible for **one re-appointment term**. The rules also require at least **4 SOMs (50% women)** in each National Sports Body's General Body, cap Electoral Officer fees at **₹5 lakh**, and list disqualification grounds including **insolvency, imprisonment, and ethics violations**.
What are the disqualification grounds under the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 for National Sports Body members?
The **National Sports Governance Rules, 2026** list the following **disqualification grounds** for National Sports Body members: **insolvency**, **imprisonment**, and **ethics violations**. Additional provisions include: **4 SOMs (50% women)** in General Bodies, Electoral Officer fees capped at **₹5 lakh per election**, a **Search Committee (headed by Cabinet Secretary)** for selecting Board members, and eligibility for **one re-appointment term**. The rules are notified under the **National Sports Governance Act, 2025**.
Under which Act were the National Sports Governance Rules 2026 notified and what is the mandate for women in National Sports Bodies?
The **National Sports Governance Rules, 2026** were notified by the **Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports** under the **National Sports Governance Act, 2025**. The mandate for women includes **50% of the Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOMs)** in each National Sports Body's General Body being women. At least **4 SOMs** total are required. SOMs must be **25+ years old**, retired, and not competed for **one year**. A **Cabinet Secretary-headed Search Committee** selects Board members.
