National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026
Notified 12 January 2026 under National Sports Governance Act, 2025. General Body: Min 4 SOMs, 50% must be women Executive Committee: Min 4 women members SOM eligibility: Age 25+, retired 1+ year from competition 10-tier achievement system: Olympic to National Games medalists Election Panel: Min 20 members | Officer fee: Max ₹5 lakh Compliance: 6 months for bylaws (12-month relaxation possible) Disqualification: Convicted persons with imprisonment
- National Sports Governance Rules, 2026 notified on 12 January 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025.
- General Body requires minimum 4 Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs) with 50% women; Executive Committee must have minimum 4 women members.
- SOM eligibility requires age 25+ and at least 1 year retired from competition, with a 10-tier achievement system from Olympic to National Games medalists.
- Election Panel must have minimum 20 members with officer fee capped at ₹5 lakh.
- Bodies get 6 months for bylaws compliance with possible 12-month relaxation; convicted persons with imprisonment are disqualified.
When were the National Sports Governance Rules notified?
The National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026 were notified on 12 January 2026 under the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
What is the composition requirement for the General Body?
The General Body must have a minimum of 4 Sportspersons of Merit (SOMs), and 50% of the members must be women.
What are the rules for the Executive Committee?
The Executive Committee of a National Sports Body must include a minimum of 4 women members under the 2026 Rules.
Who is eligible to be a Sportsperson of Merit (SOM)?
To qualify as an SOM, a person must be aged 25 or above and have retired from competition for at least 1 year. The Rules use a 10-tier achievement system covering medalists from the Olympic to the National Games level.
What are the compliance and election panel requirements?
National Sports Bodies have 6 months to align their bylaws, with a 12-month relaxation possible. The Election Panel must have a minimum of 20 members, and the officer fee is capped at ₹5 lakh. Persons convicted with imprisonment are disqualified.
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